SWAKOPMUND: Close to 100 road crashes, resulting in 226 injuries and 13 fatalities, were recorded in the Erongo Region in 2023. The following year, from January to early December, the region experienced a slight decrease with 91 crashes, 227 injuries, and 11 fatalities. These figures have raised concerns among local authorities.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Namibian Police Commander in the Erongo Region, Commissioner Nikolaus Kupembona, expressed alarm over the statistics, emphasizing the need for adherence to road safety regulations. “These figures indicate that many road users are still not adhering to road safety regulations, which is a great concern. It underscores the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to prevent further incidents,” Kupembona stated during a recent address in Swakopmund.
The address marked the beginning of the 2024/25 festive season road safety campaign, which started on November 15, 2024, and will run until January 17, 2025. The campaign focuses on enhancing roa
d safety measures and operational readiness during the festive season, a time characterized by increased travel and road incidents. Key areas of focus include load management, roadworthiness inspections, maintaining constant road visibility, and speed monitoring.
Kupembona extended gratitude to stakeholders for their commitment to road safety and highlighted the importance of safeguarding lives and ensuring compliance with road regulations during the festive period. Checkpoints will be established in Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Arandis, Karibib, and other areas within the region to support these efforts. Road users are urged to remain vigilant and responsible to help save lives during this busy time.