A taxi union in Otjiwarongo has contacted the municipality and the police to enhance cooperation and assist the industry in providing satisfactory customer services.

Taxi Union Committee Member Markus Vihilo, who was speaking at a public engagement, says that when all operators are united, working with law enforcement will enable them to trust and support one another in rooting out crime as well as to adhere to traffic regulations.

"The goal is to improve cooperative road safety, lawful operation, and fair business practices within the taxi industry while protecting both the driver and the passenger. The importance of unity and cooperation among taxi drivers is essential for improving work conditions, passengers' safety, and overall success. The transport industry, when drivers work together instead of competing destructively, can solve common problems, be more effective and build a strong, respected profession."

Cases of illegal taxi operators within the town boundaries are another cause of concern.

"We ask for stronger action against illegal taxis and drivers without driving licences, because they affect our business and passenger safety. We also request better communication between taxi drivers and the authorities regarding road block regulations and transport rules," said committee member Otto Sam.

Jason Daniel, another committee member of the Wise Taxi Industry, said, "We have had illegal taxis operating for three to four years, just operating without numbers. We are also having a concern. We are registered. We are having a big concern about that."

The taxi union also wants the municipality to put up taxi ranks.

Senior Traffic Officer Paulina Abraham of Otjiwarongo Municipality appreciated the taxi union's request and stated that further engagements would take place to foster better cooperation.

"Taxi ranks are a matter that we raised last year. It's in the process, but however we put it, it's also in the discussions of taxi association compliance, and we will discuss it at a later stage on the illegal taxi operation; that is something that we also want to appreciate from our side. We really have some taxi drivers that are assisting us in town, and for those ones that have been seen, we have been enforcing this and will continue enforcing this in town."