SWAKOPMUND – Erongo governor Natalia /Goagoses has called for a review of liquor licences that allow service stations to sell alcohol, saying easy access to liquor is contributing to the high number of road crashes in the country.
/Goagoses was speaking during the launch of the 2025/2026 festive season safety campaign that also signals the setting up of roadblocks throughout the region.
She says drivers have easy access to alcohol, especially when stopping to fuel up along the road.
Hence, she says government must review and control the sale of alcohol to avoid deadly road accidents in the country.
“Namibia has the safest roads in the world, yet we see some of the deadliest road carnages on our roads for a country with such a small population,” she said.
She also appealed to Namibians to obey law enforcement when pulled over at roadblocks as they are not meant to inconvenience motorists but to enforce compliance, detect unroadworthy vehicles, curb drunk driving and ultimately save lives.
“Rest when you are tired, obey speed limits, ensure your vehicle is roadworthy and practice patience. Safe driving is patriotic driving. It is an act of responsibility to your family and your nation,” /Goagoses said.
Crucial time
Commissioner Niklaus Kupembona also said that the festive season has become known for preventable accidents that continue to claim innocent lives.
Therefore, he says police and traffic law enforcement agencies in the region carry the crucial mandate of reducing accidents across the national road network.
“A mandate that becomes even more vital during the festive season as we need to protect residents and tourists visiting the region,” he said.
Kupembona said this year’s operations are guided by focused objectives that include enhancing road safety, reducing accidents and targeting dangerous road users involved in illegal overtaking, excessive speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol.
According to him, joint operations have been established with Nampol, Roads Authority inspector, and local authority traffic officers from Walvis Bay, Arandis, Swakopmund and Henties Bay to ensure road safety.
“Strategic and mobile roadblocks have been placed at key points in the region, supported by intensified patrols in accident-prone areas. The National Traffic Headquarters monitoring team will also be on the ground to support officers throughout the operation,” he explained.
Alarming figures
According to Kupembona, Nampol during the previous festive season, issued 1902 summons generating N$1.7 million in fines. Police also recorded 27 drunken driving arrests, 42 warrants of arrest executed, and 76 suspension notices, 132 patrols conducted and 27 516 drivers tested for alcohol. The region recorded five road fatalities compared to six during the last festive season.
However, he says that driver fatigue remains the leading cause of truck-related crashes, made worse by pressure from transport companies and inexperienced drivers.