Since the reopening of the Namibia Traffic Information System offices this week, a large number of people have gathered at Oshakati NaTIS for booking of learner licence tests.

This was after the Roads Authority (RA) announced that all NaTIS offices countrywide were reopened on Tuesday.

When New Era visited the Oshakati NaTIS, some people had left the queue to go back home.

RA emphasised that it is of utmost importance for all NaTIS visitors to comply with the directives of social distancing by avoiding large crowds at the offices and to ensure all hygiene interventions are in place.  

Maria Shikongo from Oshakati said she woke at 05h00, hoping to get assistance first, since her work starts at 09h00.

“It is already 09h00, I will just go back. The queue is so long, there are 15 people in front of me, and I am sure they will not give me a chance to go in first,” she said.

In the statement issued by RA on social media, boxes will be placed at the entrances of all NaTIS centres for eligible learner’s licence applicants to drop their applications in.

Thereafter, applicants will be contacted via SMS to confirm the date and time to visit the NaTIS office to complete the booking process.

RA urged applicants not to include cash when submitting their applications in the boxes; payments will be done over the counter after the appointment has been confirmed.

“Use the correct forms for the services required to ensure that all required details are indicated clearly on the application forms,” advised RA.

Clients are encouraged to make use of debit or credit cards when making a payment for services. 

The police officer on duty on Tuesday cautioned fraudsters, saying the RA will never request payments via Ewallet, Easy and or Blue Wallet.

“Be careful, they are among you, pretending to be applicants,” she warned.

- vkaapanda@nepc.com.na