Namibia Traffic and Management Systems, NTMS, are concerned with the increase of motor vehicle accidents on our roads. Despite the continues drive to sensitize motorists on the dangers of speeding, overloading, driving while under the influence, overtaking on blind spots to mention but a few, our statistics are on the increase. According to Mr Felix Tjozongoro MD of NTMS Government last year adopted the the UN "Decade of Action" strategy for Namibia and was even undersigned by our Prime Minister to show the government's approach towards road safety.
Cabinet a few years ago deliberated on road safety and raised their concerns. It seems this concerns died a natural death as nothing tangible came from that.
Last year after Cabinet once again raised their concerns only to fade again into thin air. One get the idea this ideas and actions were all window dressing as our road fatalities do not show a decrease nor does it stabilize or show a containment.
Tjozongoro is now calling on a Presidential Commission of Inquiry into the real causes of the road carnage. Namibia has various institutions involved in road safety,
The Namibian police ( for law enforcement )
Ministry of Transport ( policy and directions )
National Road Safety Council ( Custodian for road safety matters )
Motor Vehicle Accident Fund ( compensate accident victims )
Road Fund Administration ( Provide Funding for traffic Operations )
Roads Authority ( building and construction of roads )
Namibian Police Traffic Department ( Traffic law enforcement )
Municipal Traffic Departments ( local traffic enforcement )
Although the above mentioned departments or agencies are mandated to ensure law enforcement. If they are efficient is a matter of concern as way too many accidents are reported daily.
According to the MVA website this year alone almost 360 people died in more than than 2100 accidents, while more than 3600 people were injured. ( 03/09/12)
a point of concern is according to the 2010 census the Namibia Population is around 2.2 million. almost 500 people were killed during 2011. The UK has more than 62 million people and they recorded less than 2000 deaths during the same year.
Where and what are the issues that our authorities can not act effective to enforce the law to ensure road safety.? If they do their work that they are paid for, do it with pride and take action against those who do not adhere to road safety we might see a behavioral change for the better. Or how many people must still die before someone somewhere in one or the other government office realize enough is enough.
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| two of the nine mutilated bodies that died this past weekend on the main route between Okahandja and Otjiwarongo after four vehicles were involved in an accident. |
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| Pictures contributed |
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