This article attempts to give an overview of the nature and the need for service network systems in Namibia that would help to develop a strong regional integrated market (by making it easier for countries to access each other) and facilitate cross-border trade.
Without well-developed transportation systems, logistics could not bring its advantages into full play. Besides, a good transport system in logistics activities could provide better efficiency, reduce operational costs and promote service quality.
The improvement of transportation systems needs input from both the public and private sectors. A well-operated logistics system could increase the competitiveness of both private and government enterprises.
In line with the desire to promote economic growth in Namibia, the identification of services at strategic positions along roads in Namibia is vital, as this will benefit the transport industry, businesses and government.
In the past, transport and logistics were passive, cost-absorbing functions in an enterprise. Today, transport and logistics are highly strategic factors, capable of providing a unique competitive advantage and a variety of other benefits.
Indeed, a wide range of value-added services are needed and are associated with the movement of goods from the suppliers, to the manufacturers, to the end customers. Transport and logistics industries require movement of goods transported by heavy vehicles or trucks.
Truck driving as a profession is vital to the economy of Namibia. Trucks transport nearly all goods consumed in the world. Considering the large numbers of people in the truck driving profession, it is important to research ways to prevent and reduce the risk of adverse health conditions among truck drivers.
By identifying service needs government and other stakeholders are able to implement tailor-made services as required, which will help the sector to perform and deliver the needed services.
A recent study reveals that 95% of respondents indicated that they need resting time, while a small percentage (5.3%) indicated they do not need additional resting time. A huge percentage of respondents indicated that they require resting time, but the question remains, are there facilities for drivers to rest?
A total of 70% of the respondents indicated that they drive 13-24 hours per journey. This can be translated into 1 300 km to 2 400 km per journey. On the same note the question remains, are there facilities for drivers to rest? Facilities that are needed include truckports, weigh-bridges and health/wellness centres etc.
Truckports: to ensure safety and security of drivers, trucks and cargo and to eliminate driver’s fatigue. Weigh-bridges: to eliminate cargo overloading and help preserve the road infrastructure. Health centres: to ensure not only the wellbeing of truck drivers, but also mobile communities, by ensuring a more healthy workforce contributing towards improving the bottomline of companies.
The study revealed that we need truckstops, as well as medical practitioners (healthcentres); 90% of respondents said that the services most needed are truckports for parking, safety and security for cargo and consignments, and medical practitioners to examine and take care of drivers’ health.
However, all the above require funding. The question is who should be responsible for the implementation and setting up of these services? Can government do this alone? Public private partnerships (PPP) should be the answer. This means that government needs to work hand in hand with the private sector to set up the necessary service centres as required by the industry.
Finally, services in the transport and logistics sector have a broad and positive impact on the industry, but most importantly, these services have the potential to contribute even more, not only in terms of the wellbeing of truck drivers, but to the general public at large and the overall development of the transport and logistics industry, as these can enhance further economic development.
The identified needs for services include, among others: infrastructure development such as filling stations, truckports and logistics centres, development of more weigh-bridges, mobile clinics, ablution services, more licence testing centres along roads, development of information centres, more road networks and wellness centres and more investment is required in railway infrastructure, as this will alleviate the burden on road infrastructure, as well as more 24-hour breakdown services.
The logistics industry has grown and for it to continue the trend it is necessary to provide more logistics courses at tertiary level of education.
* This is an excerpt from a study conducted by Amos Kambonde, a former MIB student at Polytechnic of Namibia’s Harold Pupkewitz Business School.