At the opening of the 8th Annual Road Safety Conference in Otjiwarongo, Eliphas
!Owos-Oab, the Chairperson of the National Road Safety Council, revealed that there
has been a 42% reduction in road fatalities during the recent festive season, which took
place from December to January this year.
Various important stakeholders in the transportation sector are currently gathered in
Otjiwarongo to assess the progress made in implementing key strategic objectives.
!Owos-Oab acknowledged the significant role played by private sector organizations in
promoting road safety, which has contributed to the reduction in fatal accidents. He also
praised the effectiveness of traffic law enforcement, noting the visible presence of traffic
officers at strategic locations in towns and on national roads. Comparing the recent
festive period of December 2022 and January 2023 to the corresponding period in
2021/2022, there has been a 42% decline in road fatalities.
Honourable John Mutorwa, the Minister of Works and Transport and the designated
Road Safety Champion, emphasized that road safety requires a change in motorists'
attitudes. He emphasized the need for continuous improvement, strengthening of policy
guidelines, and strategies to address the behavioural issues that contribute to
accidents. Mutorwa also revealed that the Vehicle Mass and Roads, as well as the
Road Transportation Passenger Bills, could be tabled in the National Assembly this
year, as they have already gone through the cabinet committee on legislation and are
now before the drafters for review.
Marlayn Mbakera, the Chairperson of the Otjozondjupa Regional Council, expressed
the region's support for initiatives aimed at reducing road accidents and advocated for
the conversion of the B1 road into a dual carriageway, particularly between Okahandja
and Otjiwarongo.
The 8th Annual Road Safety Conference revolves around the theme "Creating a
conducive environment for synergy, accountability, performance management, and
active ownership."
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