Namibia loses over N$1.3 billion annually due to road crashes, with efforts underway to reduce the fatality rate to single digits per 100,000 people.
This was highlighted during the launch of the Festive Season Road Safety Campaign (FSRSC), which aims to address road safety challenges during the busy holiday period.
Namibia Road Safety Council (NRSC) Executive Secretary, Eugene Tendekule, highlighted the campaign’s objectives which have a key focus on busy routes during the season.
“We aim to achieve a single-digit fatality rate per 100,000 people, and we are almost there. The Festive Season Campaign is one of the most significant events on Namibia’s road safety calendar, and I believe we are all familiar with its importance,” he said.
Tendekule added that the campaign will run until 17 January 2025, focusing on high-traffic routes, especially the new A1 highway, and include various regional activations.
Speaking on the financial and societal toll of road accidents, Hilaria Graig, Manager of Corporate Communication and Stakeholder Relations at the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund, stated, “Road crashes cost Namibia N$1.3 billion annually.”
The campaign received notable financial pledges during a breakfast event, with contributions totalling over N$1.13 million.
Standard Bank, the Electricity Control Board (ECB), and Bank Windhoek each pledged N$50,000, while Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) committed a substantial N$200,000.
NamPower pledged an amount ranging between N$60,000 and N$80,000, further emphasising its commitment to the cause. MTC contributed N$100,000 alongside airtime, the value of which is yet to be determined.
UNAM Radio also offered airtime to support the campaign during the festive season. Additionally, Puma Energy, Hallord, and Ohlthaver & List (O&L) are expected to join the initiative.
“Our preliminary tally shows we have raised N$1.13 million. In total, cash pledges amount to N$480,000, supplemented by a contribution of N$650,000 from the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund, bringing the campaign closer to its goal of enhancing road safety during the critical festive period,” said MVA Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, John Haufiku, who acknowledged the efforts of stakeholders in supporting the campaign.
CEO of the MVA Fund, Rosalia Martins-Hausiku, underscored the importance of collective responsibility in reducing road fatalities.
“Last year’s festive season claimed 70 lives. Imagine an entire congregation disappearing; that’s the scale of loss we face. We must change our behaviour on the roads and openly discuss road safety in our homes,” she said.
Campaign activities will span multiple regions, targeting identified hotspots with in-person activations and media engagements.
Key regions include Khomas, Otjozondjupa, Kavango East, Oshana and Erongo, with focused efforts to raise awareness about road safety during the festive season and upcoming elections.
“With a current fatality rate of 14 per 100,000 people, Namibia has made progress from the 26-per-100,000 rate recorded a few years ago. This is something to celebrate, but not while losing sight of the fact that these are lives lost,” she said.
