Erasmus Shalihaxwe
Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) member of parliament (MP) Reggie Diergaardt has raised concerns over widespread corruption at Namibian Traffic Identification System (NaTIS) testing centres and offices across the country.
Diergaardt claims that the public is buying learners’ permits, driver’s licenses, and roadworthy certificates, but the responsible ministry is hesitant to intervene.
Diergaardt made these accusations in parliament on Wednesday, stating his intention to question the Minister of Works and Transport, John Mutorwa, about the alleged maladministration at NaTIS offices nationwide.
He added that NaTIS testing officials are also accused of deliberately failing applicants during their driving license tests unless bribes are paid, a practice that has reportedly become normalised at many NaTIS centres in Namibia.
“When incapable people buy driver’s licenses, they pose a major risk to pedestrians and other motorists,” stressed Diergaardt.
The opposition lawmaker stated that the minister of transport, John Motorwa should inform the public if he is aware of the corruption and maladministration at Natis centres and offices in Namibia.
If that is the case, Diergaadt questioned what interventions have been made so far and how effective these interventions are.
“How many Natis officers in Namibia have been implicated in corruption and maladministration, and what were the implications? What corruption prevention strategies has your ministry implemented so far?” Diergaardt asked.
He also asked Mutorwa if it was not advisable to establish a functional task team to investigate corruption and maladministration at all NaTIS centres countrywide.
He claimed that many NaTIS offices appear to be lacking in service delivery, which requires improvement.
Mutorwa is expected to respond to the questions next Thursday.
