SWAKOPMUND – Minister of Works and Transport John Mutorwa emphasised that the effective practical implementation of the Second Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030 will only be achieved through robust collaboration and cooperation among stakeholders.
Speaking at the launch of the Festive Season Road Safety Campaign in Swakopmund on Friday, he highlighted the significance of the goals, targets and objectives embedded and articulated in the aforementioned action plan.
“This action plan should not merely exist on paper; it should be tangibly translated into projects and programmes, aiming to significantly enhance the socio-economic, educational and cultural well-being of Namibians, residents and visitors to our country,” the minister said.
Conrad Lutombi, CEO of the Roads Authority, expressed concern about the rising prevalence of fraudulent activities involving fake driving licences and vehicle licence discs within the community.
He said officials will be deployed during this festive campaign, equipped with special instruments to urgently address this issue. Drivers should thus be cautioned to ensure that all their documentation is in order to avoid potential consequences.
“In addition, our mobile vehicle testing station will be utilised at various roadblocks as part of the road safety campaign. This testing station is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and equipment, ensuring the accurate and efficient testing of multiple aspects, including vehicle emissions, brakes, lights and overall safety compliance,” Lutombi stated.
He was furthermore confident that this comprehensive testing unit will elevate road safety standards, and decrease the risk of road crashes resulting from poorly- maintained or non-compliant vehicles.
Rosalia Martins-Hausiku, CEO of the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, acknowledged a decline in the number of road traffic crashes during the last festive season. However, she noted that on an annual basis, the fund spends an average of N$200 million on medical costs, and another N$ 80 million on other direct claims.
“The medical costs linked to these road crashes, alongside subsequent deaths and injuries, encompass various expenses from on-scene attendance to recovery or death. They include first aid and rescue services (ambulance services), hospital costs, and the final stage of rehabilitation, care and life enhancement,” she added.
The campaign will run until 17 January 2024. – Nampa