Congested roads expected

ELLANIE SMIT WINDHOEK With the national lockdown officially being lifted, thousands of Namibians are expected to start travelling again, causing major congestion on the country's roads. This is according to police inspector-general Sebastian Ndeitunga, who appealed to road users to exercise caution on national roads. President Hage Geingob last Thursday declared that the coronavirus state of emergency will continue with eased measures under stage two from Monday, 4 May. Ndeitunga said during the lockdown period, the security cluster noted that although many people complied with the guidelines and regulations to stay at home and make only essential journeys, there were some violations. Police visibility to be maintained “It is therefore expected that with the lifting on the countrywide lockdown, thousands of people, particularly those who were locked out from their usual places of domicile, will be returning to their homes,” Ndeitunga said. This is expected to result in congestion of the national road network, he said. Ndeitunga added that high-level police visibility in all 14 regions will be maintained. This will include the enforcement of a countrywide road traffic checkpoint deployment plan, including permanent road traffic checkpoints and mobile checkpoints or roadblocks within and outside towns. Upholding laws He also stressed that the Road Traffic and Transportation Act and all other relevant laws must be upheld to prevent accidents. “All motorists are called upon to be mindful of protecting not only their own lives, but also those of passengers and other road users.” Ndeitunga said due to the increased visibility of law enforcement agencies during the past two months, fewer traffic violations were recorded. “This situation is commendable and it is our wish that the status quo remains.” Ndeitunga urged motorists to be responsible, patient, tolerant and to travel early and avoid night driving. He added they should adhere to speed limits and avoid blind spots. Passenger restrictions Motorists should also adhere to the state of emergency regulations regarding passenger restrictions. This stipulates that a four-seater passenger vehicle may not ferry more than three passengers, while a seven-seater may not ferry more than four people. Buses with a carrying capacity of 16 or more may only load half the number of passengers, and only one person is permitted on a motorbike.

Congested roads expected

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-03

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Congested roads expected

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-03

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