Martin Endjala
The head of Namibia Metrology, Simasiku Matali, warned businesses that contravene the Namibian Standards Institution Act no 5 of 2023 regulating measurement tools could face a possible fine of N$300 000 or two years’ imprisonment.
Matali said this while clarifying how the Metrology Act once enacted will be dealing with some of the loopholes in different sectors.
While explaining that although the Act has been amended, the already existing Acts have been effective to some extent.
Matali warned against businesses selling products which are not in the local vernaculars on the shelves to immediately rectify it or risk being served with a fine or closure of business.
According to him, another issue observed is the usage of water meters of whom some are allegedly reported to have failed the NSI standards, a practice he described as worrisome.
“We are made aware that some of the water meter numbers being used in some local authorities have not passed the NSI standards, and yet they are being used. So be warned that if found on the other side of the law, the ambit of the law will fall upon you, so you best sort it out now before our officials come knocking at your offices or doorsteps,” cautioned Matali.
He explained that the intention is not to punish people, but rather uphold the measurement systems and to protect domestic markets for purposes of ironing out fraud.
Moreover, Matali reminisced about an old police case in South Africa where a breathalyser was used to conduct drug and alcohol testing but it was later found that it was not fit for such purpose, and the police lost the case in court, a scenario he said could have been easily avoided had the item met the standards of that country’s measurements.
Hence, he believes that the new Act will address the broadened gap in the lack of application of metrology controls on critical measurements in health, safety and the environment that exist in the country’s current laws.
Furthermore, he said the crux of the matter is with the rapid changes currently being experienced in the world, and Namibia must fast-track its laws to move with the times as fraudsters continue to find ways to counter and manoeuvre what authorities are implementing to protect their countries.
Meanwhile, the NSI Chief Executive Officer Eino Mvula, said that the new Act will bring about measurement capabilities of NSI to ensure that they are of the highest standards.
He mentioned that breathalysers, speed cameras, and tire temperature testing equipment amongst related measurement items, will now fall under the new Act to ensure that they adhere to the standards set out by NSI.
