The Roads Authority's Namibia Traffic Information System (NaTIS) has made further progress in making government services more accessible to communities in the Omaheke Region.

NaTIS officially launched a learner's licence testing facility in Otjinene. 

Before the launch, residents had to travel about 160 kilometres to Gobabis.

Officials have expressed satisfaction with the first group of applicants who wrote their learner's licence tests in Otjinene.

Tjeripo Uandara, Licensing Officer at Gobabis NaTIS, explained the services currently available.

"It's not a driving licence; it's for learners before we proceed to the driving licence. As we speak, the first class has just commenced. There were 30 applicants who completed their tests from 08:00 to 14:00. Only 30 people could take the test due to the available space, and we are continuing with this process."

With the rising cost of living, Uandara noted that decentralising services will help people save on transport costs while making government services more accessible.

"We are working towards decentralising NaTIS functions to establish an additional office in Otjinene, as there has been a significant influx of people travelling to Gobabis, leading to increased demand. By relocating some of our workforce to Otjinene, we aim to reduce the travel costs for individuals who need to visit Gobabis for their tests. Currently, there are challenges; for instance, individuals must travel, and if they do not pass their tests, they face the inconvenience of repeated trips."

He added that this new development at Otjinene is only the beginning of its plans to decentralise services.