Erongo Governor Nathalia |Goagoses says she will engage government and private sector stakeholders to fast-track plans for a permanent road safety truck port in Walvis Bay to improve road safety and truck drivers' working conditions.
Speaking at the Truck Road Safety Information Day held at the Harbour Town, Governor |Goagoses said land had already been allocated for the facility, with the next steps being planned, resource mobilisations and implementation.
She said the growing freight traffic linked to port operations and emerging industries, including oil and gas and green hydrogen, makes investment in safe transport infrastructure increasingly important.
|Goagoses also called for Arandis, Karibib and Omaruru to be considered in long-term plans to improve freight movement.
She urged transport companies to provide realistic delivery schedules and maintain their vehicles, while calling on truck drivers to avoid speeding, dangerous overtaking and driving while tired.
She stressed that economic development must not come at the expense of human life, describing road safety as a shared responsibility.
"However, economic growth must translate into tangible benefits for our people, particularly through job creation, skills development and meaningful opportunities for local enterprises. Equally important, economic expansion must be supported by adequate infrastructure, responsible planning and a firm commitment to public safety. As industrial activity and freight movement increase, greater demands will be placed on our roads, transport corridors and logistics facilities. We must therefore plan and ensure that our infrastructure can support this growth safely and sustainably."
Also speaking at the event, Erongo Regional Police Commander Nickolaus Kupembona has warned truck drivers and transport operators against allowing their vehicles and transport corridors to be used for criminal activities.
Commissioner Kupembona raised concerns about the transportation of illegal drugs, illicit cigarettes, stolen goods and other contraband, as well as the unlawful transportation of people through human smuggling and trafficking.
"I want to send a clear message: Our trucks and transport corridors must never become instruments of criminal activities. We urge transport companies and drivers to know what they are transporting, verify their documentation and never accept suspicious consignments or transport people unlawfully. Any suspicious activities must be reported to the police immediately. NAMPOL, together with other law enforcement agencies, will continue conducting joint roadblocks, vehicle inspections and crime prevention operations throughout the Erongo Region."