Africa-Press – Namibia. TRAFFIC collisions are rated as the number one cause of death in Namibia despite the country being rated amongst the top ten countries with the best roads.
This was revealed by Executive Director of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, Etienne Maritz, during the handing over of traffic law enforcement vehicles and equipment on Monday.
During the financial year 2020/21, a total of 12 017 road traffic collisions were recorded in Namibia, including 303 fatalities, 1 061 serious injuries and 1 776 slight injuries.
Maritz indicated that during the 2019/20 financial year, a total of 14 242 road traffic collisions were recorded, with 381 fatalities, 1 046 serious injuries and 1 903 slight injuries.
“This correlation highlightings the highest number of road crashes, fatalities and injuries in the world,” said Maritz.
According to Maritz, this demonstrates how critical the situation on public roads is, and underscores the need for responsible driving, public collaboration and double efforts of the Namibian police in safeguarding the people.
Hence, he added, the donation of 25 new traffic law enforcement vehicles and various equipment by the Road Fund Administration (RFA). The ministry received 11 Volkswagen Polo GTI, six Toyota Corolla, and three Toyota Hilux Single Cab pick-up, all valued at N$11.4 million.
Five Trucam Average Speed Cameras, five Intoxylazer Breath analysers, and five Max X Alcohol Screening Devices at the total cost of N$3.6 million were also handed over.
Maritz noted that the resources will enable the police to effectively and efficiently carry out its function of traffic law enforcement across the country.
