Sakuwa-Neo concern over road fatalities in Kavango West

NKURENKURU, 12 DEC (NAMPA) – The Kavango West region has recorded nine road fatalities and 25 serious injuries between 01 January and 10 December this year.
This is according to the Namibian Police Force (NamPol) Commander in the Kavango West region, Commissioner Julia Sakuwa-Neo who noted that close to 14 fatalities and 27 serious injuries were recorded between 01 January and 31 December 2023 in the region.
These figures, she said indicate that many road users are still not adhering to road safety regulations, which is a great concern. “It underscores the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to prevent further incidents,” Sakuwa-Neo stated.
The commissioner made the remarks on Thursday at Nkurenkuru during the 2024/25 festive season address which forms part of the road safety campaign which commenced on 12 December 2024.
The campaign which will run until 17 January 2025 aims to enhance road safety measures and operational readiness during the busy festive period, which is often marked by increased travel and road incidents.
Sakuwa-Neo commended all stakeholders for their continued commitment to ensuring road safety, saying the festive season is a time of celebration and unity, but it is also a period when road safety becomes critically important.
“Our primary objective is to safeguard lives and ensure compliance with road regulations,” she said.
Sakuwa-Neo urged all road users to always adhere to the provisions of road traffic, not only when they see a traffic checkpoint or traffic patrol vehicles on the highway but as a standard throughout their lifetime.
“Drivers should always avoid distractions such as the usage of mobile phones while driving and adhere to the speed limits”, said Sakuwa-Neo.
Key focus areas of the campaign include load management; ensuring vehicles are not overloaded, roadworthiness inspections, constant road visibility, and speed monitoring.
There will be fixed road traffic checkpoints, especially on the B1 and B2 roads, including other secondary roads.
(NAMPA)
JLN/EK/HP