OSHAKATI - The Oshana information session to map the way towards sustainable transport in the Oshana Region was poorly attended.

The meeting which was held at the Oshana Regional Council on Monday only had 14 representatives from all line ministries, local authorities in the region, and constituency councillors among all other relevant stakeholders who were invited.

The meeting was aimed at addressing the scope and study that will lead to the development of a sustainable transport master plan in the region.

The Chief Regional Officer in Oshana Region, Johannes Kandombo, indicated that as a result of an increase in transportation there has been an increase in traffic congestion as well as motor vehicle accidents in the region.

“Due to the increasing number of transportation within the region, an increase in traffic congestion and car accidents both in our local and surroundings have been observed,” said Kandombo.

Addressing the meeting, the project team leader Timotmy Winn said such consultative meetings will assist the team to identify the best transportation needed to enhance mobility and advice accordingly.

In addition it will also ensure the envisaged roads are user-friendly including for people living with disabilities, bicycle users and pedestrians.

“We want to engage with the public and ensure that even the minority have a voice in the sustainable transport master plan,” said Winn.

He informed the stakeholders to choose a mode of transport that the region can maintain.

Winn advised stakeholders through deliberations to look at curbing road congestion, and possible measures to connect the rural to the urban areas.

Kandombo also felt there is a need to create bypass roads that take travellers to their destinations without having to pass through Oshakati to reduce traffic congestion. 

Kandombo also advised that there be additional taxi ranks to avoid taxis stopping everywhere which is the current state in the region.

According to the stakeholders, the lack of roads linking the urban and rural areas has put strain on people to erect shacks at their work premises because there is no mobility to commute from town to  village.

They say a commuter train would be ideal to travel between towns while a bus would be effective to travel between urban and rural.

The project will run in two phases for 24 months. The first phase has already started.