Authorities urge for safety

Road users have been urged to drive safely this weekend while the Namibian police will be out in full force doing vehicle searches and checking for other illegal activities. The Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund has appealed for responsible driving on national roads during this year's Heroes' Day commemoration, which takes place in the north at Oshakati on Saturday. Drivers are urged to refrain from speeding, reckless driving, consuming alcohol while on national roads and to not allow themselves to become distracted while driving to reduce the carnage on the national roads over the upcoming weekend.Apart from the Heroes' Day commemoration that is taking place at the Oshakati stadium, many Namibians and tourists will be travelling north for the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair and the Olufuko Cultural Festival.The annual Red Flag commemoration is also taking place in Okahandja this weekend. Furthermore, with the schools that have closed, Namibians may also be heading to their favourite holiday destination for the school holidays. “In celebration of Heroes' Day which coincides with school holidays and the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair, roads are expected to be congested. Therefore the MVA Fund calls on all road users to embrace the principles of heroism – self-respect, altruism, devotion, duty, compassion and integrity as we all have a legal and moral obligation to wear seatbelts at all times, keep to prescribed speed limits, be mindful of pedestrians and avoid driving under the influence of substances,” said Kapena Tjombonde, chief corporate affairs at the MVA Fund. Namibian Sun reported last year that over the Heroes' Day long weekend, eight people died and 154 people sustained injuries in 59 crashes.The MVA Fund said in its statement yesterday that 14 lives were lost last year during the Heroes' Day weekend. The increase is likely due to later deaths recorded. MVA Fund statistics recorded during the Heroes' Day weekend of 25 August to 31 August 2015 indicate that 12 lives were lost in 94 crashes with resultant injuries of 193 persons. “This Heroes' Day, let us honour the memory of our gallant heroes and heroines by avoiding more bloodshed on our roads. Their sacrifices have made it possible for us to live in a country founded on effective governance, respect for the rule of law, dignity, unity and respect for human life,” said Tjombonde. Omusati police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Linekela Shikongo he said that the wrath of the law will be felt by those road users who are caught contravening traffic rules and regulations. Shikongo said this strict police measure has been put in place to maintain people's safety and security during the Olufuko festival which starts tomorrow and concludes on 5 September. “That story of people paying their bail before they appear in court is no more, the law has changed. What we will do is that we will lock the culprit up and release him or her only when they have appeared in court. This means if you are arrested on Friday you must just wait until Monday,” Shikongo emphasised. ELLANIE SMIT & KENYA KAMBOWE

Authorities urge for safety

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-09-18

Please login to leave a comment

Authorities urge for safety

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-09-18

Please login to leave a comment

Login