Lahja Nashuuta
Namibia plans to erect fences along national highways as a measure to reduce the carnage caused by stray animals once the Road Bill becomes a law.
This was revealed by transport minister John Mutorwa last week in the National Assembly.
While motivating the draft law, he acknowledged that there are many stray wild and domestic animals that are disturbing the smooth flow of traffic and ultimately causing road accidents.
The minister referenced recent road accidents, including one that occurred a month ago, where three people died. This incident took place on the main road between Kamanjab and Omakange in the Kunene region after their bus collided with a donkey.
“Since December, the Namibian Police have been advising motorists to watch out for stray and domestic animals. “Fencing off our public roads will greatly help in reducing road accidents,” he said. The Motor-Vehicle Accident MVA) Fund revealed that Namibia recorded an alarming average of 436 road accident deaths annually over the past three years.
MVA at the beginning of the year indicated that about 925 road crashes were recorded from 1 January to December 2024.
These resulted in 5 297 injuries and 385 deaths.
MVA stated that Khomas region recorded the highest number of crashes with 36% (1 062) of the total crashes recorded year-to-date, followed by Erongo at 12% (359), Oshana at 10% (287), Otjozondjupa at 8% (237), Oshikoto at 6% (189) and the Kavango East region at 5% (150).
The new Road Bill is currently gaining momentum in the National Assembly.
It is expected to be finalised before the end of this year’s Parliament calendar.
One of the Bill’s central features is the provision for the ownership and nature of roads to provide for the establishment and powers of road boards.
The draft legislation aims to define the powers and responsibilities of the minister, the Roads Authority, and local authorities concerning roads.
The Road Bill also seeks to establish guidelines for preliminary route identification, and the proclamation, construction, management, control, maintenance and rehabilitation of roads. It will regulate activities within road reserves.
Additionally, the proposed law will address construction restrictions and advertising along roads. It will outline procedures for land entry, land encroachment, land acquisition and compensation related to land use. The Act will also define the liability and indemnification of the Roads Authority, set forth enforcement measures, establish an appeals process, and cover related incidental matters.
Over the years, National Unity Democratic Organisation vice president and Aminuis constituency councillor Peter Kazongominja has staunchly advocated for the erection of fences along national roads, particularly in rural areas, to prevent accidents.
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