KEETMANSHOOP – The Motor Vehicle Accident Fund of Namibia (MVA) and Namibian Law Reform and Development Commission are now conducting countrywide consultations on legislative reforms needed.
Speaking at a session earlier this week in Keetmanshoop, MVA’s chief legal advisor, Joelynn Kurz said the objectives of the proposed amendments to the MVA Fund Act include making provision for a guilty driver to take responsibility for a related road accident, cost-saving measures like appointing its own legal experts and medical practitioners, speedy payment of a funeral grant as opposed to claimants first incurring related expenses and claiming refunds afterwards from the fund, and payment for the loss of support/income if the claimant was the breadwinner in a household.
Other proposed amendments to be effected are, to allow the fund to appoint external auditors to comply with the reporting timelines as set in the enabling Act, define the specific categories of foreigners and the benefits they are eligible to claim, make provision for the fund to claim from persons found to have intentionally driven the motor vehicle during the course of the commission of, or in furtherance of, a serious criminal offence.
In the event of fraud, it is proposed that the fund must be allowed to suspend benefits and thereafter proceed to court to stop payments altogether, allow for digital/electronic submission of claim forms and for no reimbursements to be made to medical aid funds for money it spent on treating their members injured in motor vehicle accidents.
When welcoming those present, //Kharas governor Dawid Gertze reminded stakeholders that they are together embarking on a journey to refine and strengthen the Act, in the process ensuring that it continues to fulfil its vital purpose in a dynamic and evolving landscape.
“We understand that any legislative change can have far-reaching implications, and that is why our input here is not just welcomed but essential,” he emphasised in his speech.
Gertze also said, “Let us remember that the ultimate goal here is to enhance the protection and support available to those who suffer the devastation of road accidents, whilst also fostering a culture of greater road safety across our regions and indeed our entire nation.”