Hilda Tangeni Nekulu Nathnael is a Master of Civil (Transportation) Engineering Graduate. Since 2018, she has been working at the City of Windhoek as a Smart Cities and Transport division Coordinator. Her ultimate responsibilities are directly in line with Sustainable Development Goal 11, emphasizing Target 11.2 – Affordable and Sustainable Transport Systems.
Some of the projects she has been involved include cycling and road safety trainings, the organization of the open street day and the planning and construction of new bicycle lanes in Windhoek. She is heading the planning committee for the first pilot project for the EBikes4Windhoek project in Windhoek – a project that demonstrates the usage of solar-powered electric bicycles (e-bikes) as sustainable and affordable means of transport.
Short interview
What are you currently working on – and what goals do you want to achieve with it?
I advocate for non-motorised transport users to have dignified and safe infrastructure. I also organise cycling and road safety trainings, mobility week campaigns and I am managing the EBikes4Windhoek project. I am also part of the planning committee for the Feasibility Study for the Construction of Bicycle Lane in Windhoek.
What is the most important take-away you gained during the fellowship for your work?
Transport transformation is costly, but if we don't do anything, there will be higher costs to pay.
What was the most surprising insight for you?
I was surprised to learn that Germany is considering self driving vehicles in public transport because of a lack of drivers. The other surprising aspect were the many strikes and interruptions in the train traffic.