Western Bypass speed limit drops to 60km/h

The City Police have been given the green light by the Ministry of Works and Transport to take charge of the Western Bypass, which will now have its speed limit reduced from 120km/h to 60km/h. The Western Bypass has been the scene of numerous fatalities involving pedestrians and vehicles over the years, and there have been repeated calls from the City Police and other stakeholders to reduce the speed limit and upgrade the road infrastructure. The proposed changes will include the installation of cameras and speed bumps. City Police Senior Superintendent Gerry Shikesho told Namibian Sun yesterday there are going to be many infrastructural changes and information on these developments will be shared with the community. “There will be a lot of infrastructure designing now that we have full control,” Shikesho said, adding they will also consult engineers to make the road pedestrian safe. Shikesho in the past said there had been much development along the Western Bypass, including the construction of the International University of Management (IUM) and residential flats. He said students cross the highway to access their campuses, often braving vehicles driving at very high speeds. Shikesho yesterday expressed his gratitude over the fact that calls by the City Police were heeded, but added that this comes with responsibility. “The Western Bypass is no longer a detour. “To us it is just like Hosea Kutako Drive and it is in the middle of town,” he said. Shikesho said more information about the Western Bypass falling under City Police jurisdiction will be made available later today. Minister of Works and Transport Erkki Nghimtina said many accidents occur on the Western Bypass and placing the road under the jurisdiction of the municipality will save many lives. Nghimtina said the high accident rate and death toll on the country’s national roads are disturbing. He pleaded with drivers to be cautious and considerate. WINDHOEK SELMA IKELA