The Oshikoto Region has recorded the highest number of pedestrian-related fatalities in Namibia so far this year, with nine deaths reported from January to July 2024.
This was announced by Motor Vehicle Accident Fund of Namibia (MVA Fund) representative, Victoria Amutenya, during a road safety information sharing meeting with community members of Omutsegwonime village in the Omuthiya Constituency on Wednesday.
Amutenya expressed concern over the risks faced by community members in the vicinity of Omutsegwonime, Oshifukwa, and Onalunike due to traffic on the B1 road and encouraged the community to report accidents to the MVA Fund for assistance.
She however indicated that the fund does not assist if a claimant drove under the influence of alcohol or is unlicensed, or if the vehicle involved was used in criminal activity.
A total of 30 road accidents and 24 injuries were reported in the region between January and July 2024, whilst 23 fatalities, 49 crashes, and 30 injuries were reported in the region in 20
23.
Sixty-two fatalities were reported in the Oshana, Omusati, Ohangwena, and Oshikoto regions in 2023, while 26 fatalities were reported in the four regions from January to July 2024.
Roads Authority (RA) representative, Kondjeni Mweuhanga, meanwhile said they are concerned about the proximity of shebeens to the road.
‘We try to encourage people to build at least 15 metres away from the road,’ he said.
Mweuhanga further encouraged residents to stop vandalising traffic signs and added that the RA is in the process of installing rumble strips to minimise road accidents.
Oshikoto Regional Council chairperson Samuel Shivute urged the Roads Authority to install street lights and speed humps to improve safety for pedestrians.
Source : The Namibia News Agency