The Chief Executive Officer of the Road Fund Administration, Ali Ipinge, has announced that debts for vehicle licences older than three years will be written off by the Fund. 

The prescribed debt totals over N$371 million.

The debt relief initiative under the amendments to the Funds Act aims to address accumulated debt from vehicle licence holders and exemptions related to entry fees, relieving the public of unenforceable historical debts.

The CEO of the Road Fund Authority, Ali Ipinge, says vehicle owners do not need to apply for this relief, as it will occur automatically by law.

For debts less than three years old, amounting to N$245 million, the new amendments will also provide an opportunity for relief, and vehicle owners can apply to have interest and penalties on these debts waived or request a restructuring of the payments.

While the principal vehicle licence fees must still be paid, the interest and penalties may be waived if the application is successful.

"The application process is clear and accessible, and there is no application fee in respect of an application. Vehicle owners who wish to apply for a waiver must complete the prescribed application form, provide supporting documentation as required by the regulations, and submit it directly to the RFA by hand, post, or email. Each application will be vetted by the RFA's Licence Fee Interest and Penalty Waiver Committee before being considered by the CEO and finally approved by the Board," said Ipinge.

Ipinge clarified that the prescription period for debts begins 22 days after the licence renewal due date, while for penalties and interest, the prescription period starts the day after the fee becomes payable.

The amended Act also provides for exemptions on entry fees in specific situations, including cross-border military exercises, cross-border transport of medical staff or patients and cases where foreign police officers are granted temporary entry into Namibia with ministerial approval.