WINDHOEK – A new taxi and bus association called the Namibia Transport Reform Association has been established with the hope to transform the transport industry in Namibia, according to its president, Victoria Kauluma.
“This new association is stronger and better. We will show government that we are serious with bringing changes,” she said, declaring that the Labour Commissioner issued them a trade union and an employer certificate in September.
Kauluma said that they already have 2 500 members and the number is growing by day, adding that they would only work with local and long-distance taxis and busses that have permits.
“We will not tolerate harassment of our customers. We will not allow people touching or grabbing others’ bags,” she said, promising that everything would be orderly and a queue system would be in place to make sure that the first long-distance bus in line is the first to leave.
She said they would also work with other associations, such as the Namibia Bus and Taxi Association (Nabta) and Namibia Public Passenger Transport Association (NPPTA), who have had protracted disputes over recognition by government and many other issues.
Kauluma said that they would also open branches in Lüderitz, Hardap, Grootfontein, Gobabis, Eenhana, Oshakati, Okahao, Walvis Bay and Tsumeb and also intend to open one in Zambezi Region.