… Nekundi moves to smoke out rogue drivers
• By Elvis Muraranganda
Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi is moving to tighten grip on Namibia’s roads through a sweeping enforcement and policy overhaul aimed at removing reckless and repeat traffic offenders from the system.
Nekundi is set to further introduce compulsory driver training, expanding surveillance technology and replacing outdated legislation.
These changes form part of a broader strategy to curb road fatalities and improve driver discipline, particularly on high-risk routes, including the Windhoek–Okahandja (B1) road which has been identified as a key hotspot.
This is despite earlier interventions such as the upgrade to a dual carriageway aimed at improving traffic flow and reducing head-on collisions on that road.
Reportedly, between 480 – 500 road fatalities were recorded during January to November 2025 as a result of about 3,100 crashes. This is an increase of about 20 percent, compared to 2024. Furthermore, statistics also reveal that between 01 January and 15 February 2026 an 18 percent decline compared to the previous year was recorded due to 336 crashes and 599 injuries.
Meanwhile, Nekundi further told Confidente that through the Namibia Traffic Information System (NaTIS) in collaboration with the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund, his office has finalised the curriculum for compulsory defensive driving courses.
A pilot programme will begin in the second quarter of 2026 targeting professional drivers and motorists whose licences have been suspended or revoked.
A full rollout is planned for early 2027, focusing on new applicants for transport permits, subject to accreditation of training providers.
On enforcement, Nekundi explained the ministry is working with the Namibian Police Traffic Department to increase high visibility patrols while plans are underway to install average speed-over-distance cameras along the corridor. Dashboard cameras are also set to be introduced in traffic law enforcement vehicles.
Road safety audits will be conducted regularly to identify danger zones, with improvements including signage upgrades and rumble strips.
Central to the crackdown is the new Road Safety Management Bill, which is intended to repeal and replace the National Road Safety Act of 1972.
“The bill, [which is] currently before legal drafters, will consolidate road safety laws, introduce modern traffic management systems and align penalties with current standards. It is expected to be tabled in the National Assembly before the end of the 2026 legislative session,” explained Nekundi.
“The proposed law will introduce administrative adjudication, allowing traffic fines to be processed without court delays, and will legalise the use of camera evidence from speed, red-light and average-speed systems in prosecutions. It will also fully operationalise a demerit system designed to track repeat offenders and remove highrisk drivers from the roads through licence suspension or cancellation,” he added.
According to Nekundi, government has allocated about N$200 million for road safety initiatives in the 2026/27 financial year, covering enforcement technology, awareness campaigns and road safety audits, excluding infrastructure spending managed separately by the Roads Authority.
Furthermore, Nekundi added that his ministry is preparing a Public Passenger Road Transport Bill to regulate the growing use of seven-seater vehicles as taxis. The bill will enforce licensing, roadworthiness standards and proper public driving permits, with non-compliant operators facing strict penalties.
“On rail transport, rehabilitation works are underway on key lines including Kranzberg–Otjiwarongo–Tsumeb and Otavi–Grootfontein, while feasibility studies continue for the Grootfontein– Katima Mulilo corridor. Maintenance is also ongoing on Ariamsvlei–Lüderitz and Windhoek–Kranzberg lines, as part of a broader logistics strategy.”
He explained that the long-term vision is to position Namibia as a regional logistics hub under Vision 2030, improving rail connectivity and increasing cargo throughput at national ports.
TransNamib’s shift towards rail is expected to reduce transport costs, ease road congestion and improve safety by removing heavy freight traffic from highways.
Late last year, Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) slammed government delays in passing the Public Passenger Road Transport Bill and warned that lives continue to be lost while critical reforms remain stalled.
The party’s remarks followed a horrific crash near Oniimbwele village in the Oshikoto region, which left nine people dead and ten others injured.
IPC shadow minister for works and transport, Nelson Tuhafeni Kalangula was quoted in the local media at the time saying Namibia’s roads remain dangerous due to outdated laws and poor maintenance, adding that the Oniimbwele tragedy should be a turning point.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of life, but this cannot keep happening. This accident is a clear sign that our road safety systems are failing and need urgent fixing,”
Kalangula explained, He further called on government to urgently fast-track the bill and improve safety on high-risk roads such as the B1, which continues to record serious accidents.
