The Minister of Works and Transport, Veikko Nekundi, has announced that draft legislation to decriminalise overloading offences is nearing finalisation. 

He made the announcement at the official inauguration of the Keetmanshoop weighbridge. 

The government has fully funded the construction of the N$60 million weighbridge, which, since becoming operational last week Monday, has had 1,918 heavy vehicles pass through it. 

The bridge currently operates for 16 hours, with plans to extend its service to 24 hours. 

Following the decriminalisation of overloading offences, Minister Nekundi explained that a new equitable system will be introduced.

This will require operators to pay fees proportionate to the actual road damages caused and calculated based on distance. 

"This approach shifts us from punitive measures to a partnership model in which everyone fairly contributes to maintaining the infrastructure they use. I am committed to expediting the implementation of this progressive legislation, which will create a more sustainable and equitable framework for road preservation."

Nekundi further expressed concern over the increase in fatal road accidents and remarked that a life lost on the road is one too many. 

He stated the surge in fatal accidents is driven by human error and decision-making. 

"You are either on your cellphone, you overtake at a blind spot, or you overtake without checking in the mirror to see if another vehicle is coming. Some of you, when you overtake another car approaching, you think that your car is fast enough, you don't slow down, the guy you are overtaking is not slowing down, and the guy who is approaching you is not slowing down. All of you believe your funeral covers have matured."

Nekundi encouraged truck operators and drivers to consider adjusting operating hours for the safety of all road users.
Roads Authority Acting CEO Sidney Boois stated that overloading remains the major threat to the lifespan of the national roads. 

"Overloaded vehicles compel our government to spend hundreds of millions on maintenance; thus, this new weighbridge will be a key addition to our efforts to control overloading in our country. It is strategically positioned to effectively monitor traffic on this busy corridor."

The government has so far built 11 weighbridges across the country.