KEETMANSHOOP- A group of taxi and bus operators underwent basic defensive driving and first aid training as a means to prevent accidents and deaths on the roads.
The 35 drivers who took part in the training were furnished with certificates yesterday after completing the training.
Ignatius Isaaks, one of the trainees, said he is proud to have successfully achieved such a milestone in his career.
“I believe prospective employers will now have more confidence in us as drivers and job seekers because of the knowledge and skills we have gained during the two-day training,” said Isaaks.
He advised those within the transportation industry to undergo the training.
Cornelius Skrywer, another trainee, said the training was informative and interesting.
“I feel that we, as drivers, can now make a difference on our national roads by contributing towards a reduction in the yearly fatality statistics,” he said.
A total of 199 minibus and taxi drivers were trained country wide over a period of four months.
Speaking at the ceremony, Namibia Bus and Taxi Association (Nabta) spokesperson Michael Humphries said the time has come to start a journey of capacitating bus and taxi drivers with the required skills while they are on the road.
“It is important to note that many passengers and public transport drivers lose their lives on our roads daily due to a lack of basic first aid and professional driving skills amongst drivers,” said Humphries.
He said Nabta is on a mission to save lives and prevent accidents on the roads.
Humphries, who is also the association’s regional chairperson in //Kharas, also bemoaned the presence of illegal operators who are allegedly operating at the expense of lawful taxi and minibus operators.
“We are calling on our law enforcement agencies to continue doing an excellent job in the prevention of these illegal practices that are destroying the taxi and bus
industry and the country’s economy at large,” noted Humphries.
He called on stakeholders to assist the association by funding its various outstanding projects
– sklukowski@nepc.com.na