Motorists defy passenger restrictions

Kenya Kambowe RUNDU While the two Kavango regions have enforced limitations regarding the number of passengers in vehicles, motorists in some parts of Oshana and Oshikoto are defying the state of emergency restrictions and continue to load the maximum number of passengers in their vehicles. This is attributed to the absence of checkpoints between some towns and villages. Another contributing factor is said to be the loss of income taxi drivers are suffering due to transporting fewer passengers per trip. Government this week approved a temporary 15% bus and taxi fare hike to counter this loss. For a single journey in a taxi, this translates to an increase from N$12 to N$13.80. Long-distance prices vary. Overloading The overloading of passengers has mostly been observed on the B1 road between Ondangwa and Omuthiya, where seven-seater vehicles and taxis are packed to capacity. Under the current regulations, a five-seater sedan is only allowed to carry three passengers, while a seven-seater is limited to carrying four passengers. Bakkies travelling inland are also regularly spotted with more than the allowed number of passengers onboard. When contacted for comment, police inspector-general Sebastian Ndeitunga said he has not received any reports of drivers defying passenger restrictions, but added he will contact regional commanders in this regard. “I have to check with regional commanders and instruct them to see to it that the regulations are enforced, to ensure there is no chance of spreading the coronavirus,” he said. Football matches taking place Namibian Sun also learnt that football activities are taking place in communities, despite the ban on public gatherings. Football matches took place at Oshinyadhila in Ongwediva and at Omuntele in the Oshikoto Region. Ndeitunga expressed his disappointment. The police chief said people should not expect the police to force them comply with the state of emergency regulations, as it is every citizen’s responsibility to assist in the fight against the virus. “People should respect the regulations and implement the preventative measures. People should not wait for the police to push them around,” Ndeitunga added.

Motorists defy passenger restrictions

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-18

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Motorists defy passenger restrictions

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-18

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