Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi has officially launched the Oshakati Town Council traffic law enforcement unit with a call to urgently invest in the technology that will manage and control traffic in the town.
Nekundi says the government remains steadfast in its commitment to create a transport system that is suitable, safer, efficient, and responsive to the needs of the growing communities.
The establishment of the Traffic Law Enforcement Unit at Oshakati is thus rooted in the legal framework provided by the Road Traffic and Transport Act No. 22 of 1999 and the Local Authorities Act No. 23 of 1999 as amended and other relevant laws.
He says very soon, all cars will have digital number plates. Nekundi says the design is already done, and soon all cars will be required to be converted to digital number plates to hold those breaking the law accountable.
"And all of you, if you have a car, all your banks will be linked to the traffic systems; if you drive through, the systems will automatically deduct money from your bank account. We are going to amend the law to enable that to take effect within the parameters of the law."
He cautioned the newly appointed head of the Oshakati Town Council Traffic Law Enforcement Unit, Superintendent Salomon Nengushe, and his colleague, Sergeant Lukas Jonas, against accepting bribes from motorists while carrying out their duties.
Nekundi urged the officers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity and discipline in enforcing traffic laws and be courageous, serious and respectful in the execution of their responsibilities.
"I am speaking to all of you now and in the future; you are entering a very interesting chapter. I guarantee you, even if you start today, someone is going to take out N$100.00 to offer you. Don't be tempted; you are going to lose your salary to a N$100."
Nekundi then urged motorists using the Oshakati-Ongwediva-Ondangwa national road to respect pedestrians by stopping at designated pedestrian crossings to allow them to cross safely.
"If you are misbehaving and speeding and do not allow pedestrians to cross, I will put up speed humps. I will not negotiate; your comfort in your BMW or other beautiful cars must not be at the expense of those who cannot afford a car. That I will not compromise."