Stakeholders in the transport sector and regional leaders held a Buses Information Sharing and Networking Session at Oshakati to strengthen collaboration and improve service delivery.
The engagement focused on road safety, responsible driving, and improving the overall efficiency of the public passenger transport system.
Discussions centred on how to make Namibia's roads safer, reduce road accidents, and encourage drivers to drive cautiously to save lives.
Participants emphasised that driving under the influence of alcohol, speeding, and reckless driving without regard to other road users must be avoided at all times to curb injuries and fatalities.
In a speech delivered on his behalf, Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi highlighted the importance of collaboration among all transport stakeholders to enhance service quality, safety, and efficiency in the public passenger sector.
"Therefore, the public passenger transport service that you deliver will never be of quality if it is just left to you as operators alone to deliver. It requires coordinated efforts. I want you to take a minute and ask yourself this question: Are the above-mentioned stakeholders' roles well-coordinated to deliver quality service in Namibia?"
He noted persistent challenges such as permit delays, driver fatigue, and illegal operations, and reaffirmed the government's commitment to sector reforms and accountability.
Oshana Governor Hofni Iipinge commended transport stakeholders for their continued dedication and called for shared responsibility in promoting road safety.
He stressed that infrastructure development alone is not enough, saying it must be accompanied by a culture of caution, discipline, and accountability among all road users.
"As leaders, our task is not merely to build roads, but to build safer journeys and a culture of responsibility on and off the road. Let us promote the value that promotes caution over speed."
Iipinge said road safety education in preventing accidents is essential to ensure both drivers and passengers reach their destinations safely.
Bus operator Nestor Shikongo and other participants raised key concerns of outstanding traffic fines, the influx of foreign bus operators, and the need for toll gates and improved road signs to enhance safety.
"We have a small issue, and we humbly request the establishment of toll gates to prevent illegal transportation. With toll gates in place, individuals would be less likely to transport goods illegally, as they would have to pay the toll each time."