Comparisons
Eastern Cape vs. the other two most closely populated regions in South Africa: Mpumalanga and Free State
Eastern Cape in context: Street-network sprawl of new development
The level of street-network sprawl in new development in Eastern Cape rose steadily. To get a sense of how street development has changed in Eastern Cape, we can consider three of its most populous cities: Gqeberha, East London and Motherwell. Out of the three cities, Motherwell does not follow the same trend as the region. The level of street-network sprawl in new development in Motherwell peaked in 1976-1990.
How do development practices in Eastern Cape fare in comparison to others in South Africa? Most recently in 2006-2020, street construction in Eastern Cape was the 7th-most disconnected out of the 9 regions in South Africa. Its position in the ranks since 1975 has not changed. Eastern Cape ranked 7th in 1975, 7th in 1976-1990, 6th in 1991-2005 and 7th in 2006-2020.
Eastern Cape in context: Aggregate street-network sprawl
As of 2020, the city with the most disconnected street network in Eastern Cape is East London with an SNDi of 4.52, which is sprawly. Conversely, the most connected city is Motherwell with an SNDi of 2.48, which is relatively well-connected. See trends for these cities: Motherwell, East London
The level of street-network sprawl in the aggregate network in Eastern Cape rose steadily. To get a sense of how the aggregate street network has changed in Eastern Cape, we can consider three of its most populous cities: Gqeberha, East London and Motherwell. Out of the three cities, Motherwell does not follow the same trend as the region. The level of street-network sprawl in the aggregate network in Motherwell peaked in 1976-1990.
To date, Eastern Cape is the 7th-most disconnected out of the 9 regions in South Africa. Its position in the ranks since 1975 has not changed. Eastern Cape ranked 7th in 1975, 7th in 1976-1990, 7th in 1991-2005 and 7th in 2006-2020.