Anchua Naruseb
WALVIS BAY – Seven-seater long distance taxis that operate between Walvis Bay and Windhoek continue to operate without permits due to delays in issuing permits by the Namibia Traffic Information System (NaTIS).
Seven-seater committee member Immanuel Domingo claims the delay is on NaTIS side but will hopefully be resolved by the end of this month.
He is hopeful that they will have their permits.
“My seniors went to NaTIS to enquire about the seven-seater permits because we applied and were already approved. They were told the permits will be ready by end of this month,” said Domingo.
This was after traffic officers visited Seven Seater Transport Pty Ltd in Walvis Bay on 9 September.
“The traffic [officers] were here and they told us that ‘if you do not have a permit, please park until you get your permit’,” Domingo urged the operators.
According to him, there are about 80 seven-seaters that operate between Windhoek and Walvis Bay, of which 35 have already applied for their permits but urges others to also apply.
“When the traffic officers came here, I told them [drivers], ‘if you go on the road and get a fine, that is your own responsibility’.”
According to Domingo, the officers also informed them on safety regulations all seven-seaters must follow. This includes always having a fire extinguisher present in the vehicle and sticking to a maximum of six passengers onboard.
Seven-seaters have seen increased popularity with passengers in recent years but have drawn the ire with minibus drivers leading to skirmishes.
Roads Authority spokesperson Hileni Philemon has not responded to messages sent to her by the time of going to print.