Urban Transport in the OIC Megacities
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Mali, a landlocked country, via its rail and highway link to Bamako. Relationships with Bamako have
a significant impact of Dakar’s and Senegal’s economies and therefore efficient operations should be
prioritised. Large scale schemes linking megacities to other cities, although urban per se, should be
put forward and be exploited in the most efficient ways, often involving the private sector.
6.2.5. Urban transport infrastructure financing
Financing is an issue for all OIC megacities. It is suggested that a combined approach should be
adopted for financing involving both internal management of operations and external financial
support strengthening. On one hand, internal financing should be structured in a way that savings and
revenues from transport operations and charges are absorbed and reinvested in future transport
plans. For example, mechanisms and organizational structures should be put in place and be created
in order for revenues from parking charges or road pricing are reinvested in sustainable modes. The
involvement of the private sector in operations should ensure that operations are profitable for both
sides, with the public sector being able to re-evaluate the operation contracts and partnerships often
in order to avoid loss of revenues resulting from the involvement of the public sector. An innovative
example of cooperation with the public comes from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where a major part of the
city’s port region is currently being redeveloped without any contribution from the city’s funds. The
area that is known as Porto Maravilha was isolated and degraded but forma a vital part of the port and
had a large historic value. The funds for the redevelopment were collected by selling the rights for
increased construction capacity in the area. By selling the rights for additional development, the urban
consortium has the necessary resources to redevelop the public infrastructure in the area, improve
the public realm (including major changes in the mobility patterns of the area) and preserve the
architectural and cultural value of the port.
On the other hand, external help can ensure that appropriate guidance is given to governments in
order to efficiently manage their construction and operation projects. It is suggested that assistance
on management should also be sought along with financial support in order to perform effective
monitoring and evaluation of projects. Transparency should also be ensured in order to effectively
and efficiently deliver high standard projects. External support and monitoring are often viable for
projects to succeed as they prevent issues of corruption and deviation from the deliverable standards.
6.2.6. Road safety
Road safety is a crucial issue for the Islamic megacities as many of them are suffering from high
mortality rates on the streets and traffic related injuries. Awareness raising and driver training are
essential for perceptions to change and for people to realise the importance of safe driving. Campaigns
organized at the workplace and at schools can be proven particularly successful as they target people
who can directly apply what they have learned on specific journeys. In addition, media coverage is
also very important, particularly on the radio and the television, as the internet is not always
accessible by everyone. Local advocacy groups can make a significant contribution, and can often be
more effective than actions taken by the authorities. However, establishing road design standards,
strengthening enforcement and putting in place formal driver training and testing procedures are of
utmost importance.
6.2.7. Health
Pollution, excessive heat and lack of physical activity are the three main transport related factors that
contribute to the deterioration of health of the residents of Islamic megacities. Pollution levels in the
cities of Asia in particular have been and in some cases remain among the highest in the world. Old
vehicles are the primary source of pollution, and therefore banning their use and import is considered
key in order for the air quality to improve. In addition, promoting clean public transport and non-
motorized transport can contribute to this effort. Exhaust gases also contribute the increase of
temperature in megacities. Fewer vehicles and more open green and light coloured spaces can make
a significant difference in the temperatures of urban areas. Finally, in terms of physical activity it is