There has been a 42% reduction in road fatalities over the past festive season, between December and January this year.
This was revealed by the Chairperson of the National Road Safety Council, Eliphas !Owos-Oab at the opening of the 8th Annual Road Safety Conference in Otjiwarongo.
Key stakeholders in the sub-sector are meeting in Otjiwarongo to review the implementation of key strategic pillars.
!Owos-Oab says the support and involvement of private sector organizations in road safety have greatly contributed to the reduction of fatal accidents on the roads.
"Traffic law enforcement is in great shape as we witness the high level of visibility and deployment of traffic officers at strategic locations in our towns and on our national roads. I wish to commend the efforts of the Namibian Police Force, the municipalities, the Roads Authority, as well as the law enforcement agencies, as we have just recorded a 42% reduction in fatalities over the past festive period of December 2022 and January 2023 compared to 2021/2022 corresponding period."
Works and Transport Minister John Mutorwa, who is the Road Safety Champion, says roads can only become safer if motorists change their attitude.
"Road safety is about changing the behavior of road users, and it's not an easy task, and it's continuous; there must be a continuous improvement; there must be the continuous strengthening of your policy guidelines and your strategy because they are meant to deal with real human problems of behavior."
Mutorwa also revealed that the Vehicle Mass and Roads, as well as the Road Transportation Passenger Bills, could be tabled in the National Assembly this year, as they have already gone through the cabinet committee on legislation and are now before the drafters for review.
The Chairperson of the Otjozondjupa Regional Council, Marlayn Mbakera, wants the B1 road turned into a dual carriageway.
"Especially on the stretch between Okahandja and Otjiwarongo, we are ready as regional leadership to support your initiatives and find solutions to the carnage on our roads sooner rather than later. Let us hold hands and fight this pandemic on our roads."
The 8th Annual Road Safety Conference is held under the theme "Creating a conducive environment for Synergy, accountability, performance management, and active ownership."