ONGWEDIVA - Liquor outlets countrywide will be allowed to sell alcohol on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve as per their trading licences.
Oshana regional c o m m a n d e r , Commissioner Naftal Sakaria said they will not interfere with the operations of liquor outlets during the upcoming festive season as they want people to conduct business.
“We want people to sell, to do business, but this must be done in line with the laws of this country. We have made enough enquiry into the Liquor Ac,t and it does not indiscriminately prevent trading or liquor on public holidays, unless it is indicated in your licence,” he stated.
The officer noted that during the festive season, the three towns of Oshakati, Ongwediva and Ondangwa become overcrowded with visitors and travellers. This, he said, is a good thing, as it brings a much-needed economic boost to the region.
Speaking to New Era, Reverend Taraah Sha l ye fu of the Ongwediva Anglican Church said he does not support the decision to allow the sale of alcohol on sacred days.
“The reason why limitations are put in place is to control those in our society who cannot control themselves. Mind you, churches are likely not to be attended because people are out drinking, but we are supposed to be commemorating the birth of Christ. Are we not supposed to go there and worship God?” he asked. Shalyefu said although they have no power over this decision, they would appreciate it if liquor outlets’ operating hours were limited on those days.
The Oukwanyama Traditional Authority’s spokesperson Andrew Naikaku said as a traditional authority, there is nothing they can do regarding the sale of alcohol on public holidays. “We have nothing to do about it. But families need to come together on Christmas Day and New Year in a peaceful way because they are days of peace, and we would not want people drinking and driving,” he added.
Statistics on the Oshana region’s crash report compiled by the Motor-Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund’s Emergency Call Centre indicate that from January to November this year, a total of 232 crashes were recorded, resulting in 399 injured persons and 23 fatalities.
This contrasts with 2022 when crashes and fatalities all declined by 9% and 32%, respectively, while injuries increased by 4%.
Collision-related crashes were the most frequent, representing 37.5%, followed by pedestrians at 32% and rollovers at 14%.
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