Windhoek
The Namibia Public Passenger Transport Association (NPPTA) has appealed to all motorists, specifically public transport drivers, to pre-check their vehicles and to rest sufficiently before embarking on any trip – in light of the many accidents on the country’s roads.
NPPTA issued a media statement yesterday in the wake of a road accident that occurred about 40 kilometres outside the Mururani Veterinary Gate in Kavango West, in which five people lost their lives and several others were seriously injured.
NPPTA secretary general Nathan Africa said many of the fatal crashes are a result of vehicles that are unroadworthy, reckless, as well as negligent and inconsiderate driving, overloading and fatigue. “The recent loss of life that has been experienced could have been prevented if all drivers exercised patience and adhered to the rules of the road,” he said.
“We call on members, operators and drivers to work together in harmony to minimise unfortunate incidents in the public transport industry to ensure progress and development,” said Africa. He said NPPTA has witnessed legal and illegal operators transporting commuters in vehicles that are not roadworthy, and who blatantly disregard road traffic rules.
NPPTA called for a nationwide campaign focused on, amongst others, public transport vehicles, and reckless driving. “The aim of this operation should not only be to check for vehicle and driver fitness amongst passenger-carrying vehicles, but also drivers who blatantly disregard road traffic rules and regulations,” Africa explained further.
He said the NPPTA is willing to join forces with government, law enforcement officers, social partners and other stakeholders to campaign against the loss of lives on roads.