Tsumeb was the host for the launch of the 2024/2025 Africa Highway Security Day spearheaded by the Nationwide Highway Security Council (NRSC) on 17 November, 2024.
As a part of the broader “World Day of Remembrance for Highway Site visitors Victims,” this occasion gathered stakeholders from numerous sectors to honour lives misplaced in street site visitors accidents and advocate for improved street security measures.
The occasion commenced with poignant remarks from Eugene Tendekule, govt secretary of the NRSC, who mirrored on the aim of the day: “The Africa Highway Security Day is just not merely a date on the calendar; it’s a name to motion for each nation, a solemn reminder of the lives taken and the households endlessly affected by street site visitors incidents.”
He emphasised that street security ought to stay a precedence within the quest for sustainable improvement, highlighting that “site visitors accidents represent a substantial expense to society.”
Africa Highway Security Day was established following the African Union’s endorsement of street security initiatives, pushed by the pressing must fight rising site visitors fatalities on the continent.
Tendekule reiterated this dedication: “We should maintain arms to #DoTheRight ThingAndSaveLives as we bear in mind our family members.”
Elifas !Owos-Oab, chairman of the Nationwide Highway Security Council, elevated the sombre temper: “At this time offers us a possibility to commemorate the victims of street accidents and people who went by way of the trauma. We pay tribute and affirm our communal accountability in direction of safer roads.”
This sentiment resonated deeply all through the gathering, encapsulating the shared grief and dedication amongst attendees.
Horst Heimstadt, chief govt officer of the Namibian Highway Security Discussion board, highlighted the non-public tales behind every statistic. “Each quantity represents a life full of hopes and desires, now lowered to reminiscences,” he stated.
He urged people, be they policymakers, drivers, or pedestrians to take private accountability for street security. “No street in city and peri-urban areas ought to be constructed with out sufficient security measures for susceptible customers,” he insisted. Jonas Sheelongo, govt director within the works and transport ministry, supplied insights into future initiatives.
He famous the Second Namibian Chapter of the Decade of Motion for Highway Security would deal with strategic pillars geared toward enhancing street security administration throughout the nation.
“The goal is to reinforce the protection of Namibia’s roads and autos, making certain that much less individuals fall sufferer to useless street tragedies,” he acknowledged.
Richard Banda, represented by Secilia Kaunatjike from the World Well being Organisation, echoed comparable sentiments.
“Highway site visitors accidents are preventable. As a nation, we have to strengthen our dedication to schooling, enforcement and group consciousness,” he stated, highlighting the necessity for a multi-disciplinary strategy in tackling street questions of safety.
The 2024/2025 Africa Highway Security Day is an important reminder of the challenges in making certain secure roads for all. Stakeholders reaffirmed their dedication to collective motion, emphasising “No single individual, organisation or stakeholder can remedy this disaster alone.” The occasion was a strong name for concerted efforts in safeguarding lives, fostering a dedication to turning the tide on street security in Namibia and throughout Africa, particularly through the festive season.
* Julia Alfeus is a member of the Opitimistc Media Group.
