NKURENKURU: The Kavango West region has witnessed a concerning number of road fatalities and serious injuries this year, prompting a call for stricter adherence to road safety regulations. Between January 1 and December 10, nine road fatalities and 25 serious injuries were recorded, raising alarms about road safety in the region.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Commissioner Julia Sakuwa-Neo of the Namibian Police Force in Kavango West highlighted these figures, noting that by the end of the year, close to 14 fatalities and 27 serious injuries were anticipated. Sakuwa-Neo emphasized the need for proactive measures to address the situation, stating, “It underscores the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to prevent further incidents.”
Sakuwa-Neo’s remarks came during a festive season address at Nkurenkuru on Thursday, marking the launch of the 2024/25 road safety campaign, which began on December 12, 2024. The campaign, set to run until January 17, 2025, aims to bolster road safety measures
and enhance operational readiness during the festive season, a period often characterized by increased travel and road incidents.
In her address, Sakuwa-Neo commended stakeholders for their commitment to road safety, reminding the public that the festive season, while a time for celebration, requires heightened attention to road safety. “Our primary objective is to safeguard lives and ensure compliance with road regulations,” she stated.
Sakuwa-Neo urged road users to consistently adhere to traffic provisions, rather than only when encountering traffic checkpoints or patrol vehicles. She stressed the importance of avoiding distractions, such as mobile phone usage while driving, and adhering to speed limits.
The campaign will focus on several key areas, including load management to prevent vehicle overloading, roadworthiness inspections, constant road visibility, and speed monitoring. Fixed road traffic checkpoints will be established, particularly on the B1 and B2 roads, as well as other secondary roads, t
o ensure compliance and enhance safety.