Namibia is losing the majority of its economically active population to road accidents, a new report has revealed.
A recent study by the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund noted with concern that most people involved in road accidents are citizens between 21-35 years of age and children 10 years and younger.
“It is inevitable to note that besides human suffering caused by road traffic injuries, there is also a heavy economic burden on survivors and their families. The cost of treatment for the injured and loss of productivity of those killed in motor vehicle crashes has a negative impact on the country’s economy,” said the Deputy Minister Of Health and Social Services, Esther Utjiua Muinjangue, at the third Women in Road Safety Conference and Exposition held at the coastal town of Swakopmund.
She added that at household levels, women are often left as single breadwinners or caretakers of those seriously injured in road crashes.
Speaking at the same occasion, MVA Fund Chief Executive Officer Rosalia Martins-Hausiku said crash statistics indicate over the past three years – 2020 to 2022 – that 74% males were killed, whilst an average of 60% were injured.
She said these statistics indicate that crashes and resultant injuries, and fatalities continue to prevail although, annually at a declining rate, placing more strain on available resources in an already depressed economy.
“Considering what I have just narrated, the need to recognise the critical and clear role women play in pushing the agenda for safer roads is becoming even greater. Let us empower ourselves; we are known to have better intuition, patience, emotional focus, compassion, and networking ability,” added Martins-Hausiku.
She challenged every woman in leadership or position of influence to advocate for road safety at home, community, and the workplace to embrace the role that women should play in the interest of saving lives on our roads.
“The festive season is around the corner. Please plan for the festive holiday accordingly to ensure a peaceful and joyous time with family and friends instead of life-changing realities because of road crashes,” she said.
Governor of the Erongo Region Neville Andre said crash statistics collected by MVA Fund show that the Erongo Region is one of the six high-crash regions in Namibia with a high risk of fatalities and serious injuries.
He said these statistics further show that over the past four years (2019 to 2022), the Erongo Region recorded 1,247 road crashes, which resulted in 2,008 injuries and 144 fatalities.
In light of this, the Erongo Region accounts for 11% of the crashes on average annually, with injuries and fatalities accounting for 10% and 7% respectively.
“I am sure you will agree with me that these numbers are rather alarming. Against this backdrop ladies and gentlemen, today we have the opportunity to pause and reflect on road safety matters in our region and indeed the entire country simply because the stage has been set and the platform has been created in our region,” he said.
The Governor further said it is also important to acknowledge that the region being a tourist destination for locals and international visitors alike, the volume of vehicles on their roads is very high, increasing the risk of road crashes.
“This, however, does not mean we need to accept these numbers. We still have within us the ability to come up with mitigating measures to address this problem. It is therefore relevant and pleasing that road safety stakeholders are deliberating on ways to curb this problem and bring about impactful and lasting solutions towards road safety.”
