Committee on Economics engages NRSC, 10 November 2021

Windhoek – The Chairperson of the National Road Safety Council (NRSC), Elifas !Owos-Oab says the fragmentation of road safety management is hampering efforts to properly manage safety on Namibian roads. !Owos –Oab said this in response to concerns raised by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economics and Public Administration during a consultative meeting today (10/11/21).
The Committee is concerned that despite Namibia having the best road infrastructure in Africa, it remains the fourth highest in terms of road accidents and fatalities. Chairperson of the Committee, Hon. Natangwe Ithete noted that road accidents and fatalities continue to contribute negatively to socio economic issues. “Road accidents and fatalities in our country have a negative impact on our economy, our communities, families and the entire country. the question arises, why do we have so many accidents and fatalities in our country while we have one of the best road infrastructure in Africa? queried Ithete.
According to !Owos-Oab, the lack of coordination among road safety stakeholders is further exacerbated by poor funding and a lack of political will. On the latter he noted that the protracted Road Safety Management Bill has not translated into law despite having been introduced in parliament for a number of years.
He further noted that only about 23% of the 50% reduction in road fatalities targeted in the Namibian Chapter of the Decade of Action 2011 – 2020 has been achieved. However, in spite of these anomalies, the NRSC has continued with key flagship projects meant to monitor road safety and reduce the carnage on Namibian roads, says! Owos Oab. These include the integration of road safety education into the national school curriculum, establishment of a law enforcement task force for the B1 and B2 roads and the completion of the feasibility study for the Arandis emergency response centre.
He further stated that the Council which has drafted a 10-year harmonization strategy that has been submitted to cabinet for approval and subsequent funding, has since signed MOUs with stakeholders meant to harmonize their roles and functions in order to have a holistic approach to road safety management.
The National Road Safety Council is empowered by the National Road Safety Act No. 9 of 1972 to promote road safety in Namibia.