Car-free day planned for capital
Windhoek joins cities around the globe in celebrating World Car Free Day on Thursday (22 September 2022). The theme is “Reducing our carbon footprint”, with the main activity being a 5km cycle, run, and/or walk by City of Windhoek employees and residents.The fun event, following a designated route with water stations and a police escort, starts at 08:00 on Thursday morning at the City of Windhoek (CoW) Khomasdal Customer Care Centre in Richardine Kloppers Street (off Florence Nightingale Street) and ends at 9:30 with a short closing ceremony in the CoW parking area on Independence Avenue.
In light of the event, mayor Sade Gawanas invites residents to leave their cars at home on the day and either cycle or make use of car-pooling or public transport to commemorate the day.
“CoW employees will set the example on Car Free Day and I challenge all corporates to join us by doing the same. The day promotes the use of public transport, mass transit, car-pooling, cycling, jogging and walking to work instead of each of us using our private vehicles to reduce our carbon footprint. Let’s join the world in showing we care for the environment and hold hands in creating a healthier Windhoek,” Gawanas said.
According to organiser Lorraine !Gaoses (CoW section head Environmental Engineering), Windhoek is becoming motorised to such an extent that air pollution from vehicle exhaust fumes is becoming a concern.
Green alternative
“In addition to raising awareness on air pollution, the event also promotes non-motorised transportation as a green alternative. The Windhoek Car Free Day aims to raise awareness on carboofemissions’ effect on the climate and ways for residents to reduce their carbon footprint. We encourage residents to embrace the use of alternative modes of transportation other than a dependence on using their private vehicles daily.”
Participants can register, free of charge, from 07:15 to 07:55 at the starting point in Khomasdal. Those who take part and finish at the CoW head office in Independence Avenue will receive digital certificates in recognition of their participation, while the CoW division with the most participants wins a floating trophy for biggest carbon saver of the day.
Participating corporates are encouraged to bus their employees to the starting point and participate in their corporate colours, while residents are encouraged to car-pool or take public transport to the starting point and either walk, jog, cycle or take public transport to work or home once the event concludes.
It is expected that this year’s first Windhoek Car Free Day will be the launching pad for the City of Windhoek to celebrate and promote the event on an annual basis.
For more info, contact the CoW Environmental Engineering section at 061 – 290 3367 or email [email protected].