BY TPL Umar Shuaibu
Expressway greening zones, including Central Median Greening Zones (CMGZ) and Roadside Verge Greening Zones (RVGZ), are areas designated for vegetation planting along roads to enhance the environment and improve road safety. CMGZ refers to greening in the central median, while RVGZ is the verge planting adjacent to the footpath. These greening zones offer various benefits, including improved air quality, reduced noise pollution, and enhanced aesthetics.
Central Median Greening Zone (CMGZ) is located in the central median of a road, this area is typically used for planting trees and shrubs, contributing to the visual appeal and ecological benefits of the expressway. Roadside Verge Greening Zone (RVGZ)in Situated alongside the footpath, RVGZ provides a buffer zone between the road and pedestrian areas, offering space for planting trees, shrubs, and other vegetation.
All the above provisions were embedded in the planning and execution of the major arterial roads that were completed at the earlier stages of Abuja’s development. It could be witnessed along major sections of the Ahmadu Bello Way, the Ring Road I, Aminu Kano Crescent, Ibrahim Babangida Boulevard, Kasim Ibrahim Way, Ademola Adetokumbo Crescent, Alvan Ikoku Way and many others.
The major challenges were in the maintenance. Although, budget used to be provided annually, but, the sizes and number of the trees and shrubs that requires pruning across the entire City, in order to control their growth, and clearances of the generated waste were always grossly underestimated.
Meanwhile, roadside and the median greening elements appears not to be captured in the subsequent major circulatory elements being implemented across the City. We are referring to the many streets now in the Phase II and III of the City development which were completed and being in use. Others are the Inner Southern Expressway that was completed in some parts of Phase I and the remaining portion of the Inner Northern Expressway within the phase I that are now completed.
Perhaps the roads greening were not captured in the contract for their developments, however they should be factored in the beautification content domiciled with the Park and Recreations. Many of the roads have been bare, but in use, years after commissioning. Apart from making the City to be more aesthetically pleasant, it is important to reiterate the other benefits, which are reduction in carbon emission, decreasing noise and air pollution, City cooling effect and contribution to the mitigating effects of climate change.
At the inception of the City’s development, the FCDA engaged Jardin Nigeria Limited, a renowned landscape design and construction company to establish the Abuja Plant Nursery. Over the years it grew to a full pledged department that is now the Parks and Recreations.
Majority of the shrubs and hedges that were planted for the greening of the first generation arterial roads mentioned above were produced in house and undertaken by the Abuja plant nursery of the FCDA in partnership with Jardin. Whenever the needed plants were exhausted due to the enormity of the assignment they were sourced from the forestry departments of Niger and former Plateau States. Others were brought from Ibadan. None of those species were imported.
Instead of the special species meant for the roadside greening, forest species that could cause havoc to the other infrastructure components were planted. When they grow beyond their desirable limits, their roots protrude and break the road pavements. The knowledge of the appropriate species should provide guide against future mistakes.
In 2009 when the Airport and Outer Northern Express (ONEX) Roads expansion project commenced, it ushered in brisk business by timber dealers who saw it as advantage for felling free trees among the abundant vegetation flanking the roads and cutting them to various sizes of wood for sale. After the completion of the road expansion, proposals for the landscaping of the Abuja Airport Expressway, in order to recoup the felled vegetation was submitted by the Jardin. The same is adoptable to all the other expressways in the City. The Jardin proposal is yet to see the light of the day.
Meanwhile it is important to note that RVGZs need sufficient space for planting, with minimum width requirements often specified. Planning should consider underground utilities and other potential obstructions that may hinder planting. Proper maintenance is crucial to ensure the health and longevity of the vegetation and the overall effectiveness of the greening zone. Understanding the views of different stakeholders (residents, authorities, etc.) is important for successful RVGZ implementation and management. Also, choosing the right vegetation is important. Native plants are often well-suited to local conditions and can support local wildlife, while some non-native species may also be beneficial.
Greening zones require ongoing maintenance, including pruning, watering, and pest control, to ensure the health and longevity of the vegetation. Local management of greening zones is often most effective, with clear arrangements for ownership and maintenance. Engaging local communities in the maintenance and management of greening zones can foster a sense of ownership and responsibility.
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