Lahja Nashuuta
The Namibia Traffic Information System (NaTIS) is phasing out manual applications for learner’s licences and face-to-face bookings to expedite the process and eliminate the bottlenecks currently affecting the issuance of licences and vehicle registrations.
Andrew Shafombabi, regional manager for Khomas revealed this during an interview with New Era following the surprise visit of Works and Transport minister Veikko Nekundi to NaTIS on Friday.
He stated that the shift to an online booking system and computerised testing will streamline the learner’s licence process and enhance efficiency at NaTIS centres.
The minister’s visit was part of an initiative to familiarise himself with the institutions under his ministry, and assess their operations and challenges to improve service delivery.
Shafombabi noted an influx of applicants for driving licences at the centre, which often leads to long queues and delays in vehicle bookings and testing.
“Indeed, we are working to phase out manual bookings and testing for driving licences. We’ve already developed and tested a digital platform at our centre in town, which has proven to be effective. The final step involves procuring the necessary hardware for deployment across various NaTIS centres” he noted.
Nekundi welcomed the initiative, calling it a step in the right direction as the world increasingly shifts toward digital solutions.
“We need to embrace the digital world to ensure effective and efficient service delivery. Currently, learners must come in person just to book a test, and after passing, they must return to schedule a driving test. This process should be streamlined online, allowing both bookings and payments to be completed from home,” he stated.
The politician expressed concern about staff shortages, cramped facilities and slow service delivery at NaTIS.
“The space is too small, and it’s unfortunate that people must stand in long queues for extended periods. I encountered individuals who were still waiting two hours later after lining up at 10h00. Therefore, I strongly support the rapid implementation of a digital platform which allows people to make bookings from the comfort of their homes,” he emphasised.
Under his leadership, the minister pledged to ensure that customers receive a much better service than they currently do.
Regulation
Meanwhile, NaTIS examiners have urged the Ministry of Works and Transport to regulate driving schools and instructors in the country, citing concerns over unqualified instructors providing poor services to customers.
The high failure rate, especially among Code B learners, has raised alarm among stakeholders. Henry Emanuel Olu-King, NaTIS principal examiner, has advised the government to formalise the sector to ensure that self-proclaimed instructors are properly qualified, protecting learners from fraudsters and con artists.
He said currently, there is no governing body regulating driving school instructors, and no formal training programme exists for them. Some instructors’ qualifications have been called into question, with allegations that some are new drivers themselves.
“We’ve noticed with concern that some individuals claiming to have undergone driving classes continue to fail multiple times. Given that driving schools can be costly, this situation is worrying for those who have failed several times,” Olu-King stated.
He proposed that every instructor undergoes mandatory training and certification, with certificates attached to clients’ applications to ensure legitimacy.
Nekundi welcomed the suggestion, and is planning a meeting with driving school owners and instructors to discuss the way forward.
Photo: Heather Erdmann