Niël Terblanché
As the festive season approaches, Traffic Law Enforcement Officers of the Namibian Police will be deployed at various roadblocks across the country, ready to respond swiftly to road incidents, day or night.
In a significant move to enhance road safety and law enforcement during the upcoming festive season, the Namibian Police (NAMPOL) received a generous donation of vehicles from the Road Fund Administration (RFA).
The Inspector General of the Namibian Police, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, expressed his appreciation for the support, highlighting the critical role these vehicles will play in ensuring public safety.
General Shikongo praised the RFA for their unwavering support, emphasizing the importance of their partnership in combating road accidents, which have had a devastating impact on both road users and the nation as a whole.
“The fact that we are gathered here to witness this event is indeed a testament to our common determination to combat road crashes, which have ravaged the lives of our road users and the nation at large,” he said.
The Namibian Police Force holds a crucial responsibility for the preservation of internal security, maintaining law and order, investigating offences, preventing crimes, and protecting life and property.
General Shikongo stressed the importance of collaborative efforts involving various ministries, law-abiding citizens, corporate organizations, and road safety stakeholders to fulfil this mandate effectively.
He said the donated vehicles will significantly boost the capabilities of the Namibian Police Force in delivering quality services to Namibians and visitors alike.
“These vehicles will play a pivotal role in increasing police visibility on national roads and enforcing the Road Traffic and Transport Act of 1999 (Act No. 22 of 1999),” he said.
General Shikongo also highlighted the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed between the Namibian Police Force and the Road Fund Administration on October 11, 2021.
This agreement serves as the foundation of cooperation between the two entities in the field of traffic law enforcement, aiming to strengthen and formalize their collaboration. The MoA is valid until October 10, 2024, with provisions for termination, amendment, or substitution.
Stressing the importance of accountability, General Shikongo stressed that the new vehicles symbolize the trust the public places in law enforcement.
He urged all officers to ensure their judicious use, meticulous maintenance, and unwavering protection.
“Proper stewardship of these government assets is not just an administrative duty but a sacred promise to the citizens they serve,” he said.
In the 2023/2024 Financial Year, the Namibian Police Force was allocated N$92,765,000.00 to procure new fleet vehicles. This allocation facilitated the procurement of a total of 113 motor vehicles, three boats, and two trailers, with 40 motor vehicles and two trailers already delivered, and 73 vehicles and three boats expected to arrive soon.
Lieutenant General Shikongo thanked the Road Fund Administration for their corporate responsibility and commitment to road safety initiatives.
Ali Ipinge, the Chief Executive Officer of the Road Fund Administration, acknowledged the vital role of NAMPOL in law enforcement, especially in traffic matters, and expressed the RFA’s dedication to supporting their efforts.
Despite global challenges, including conflicts and climatic changes, the RFA increased its funding contribution to Traffic Law Enforcement (TLE) from N$24 million to N$34.4 million during the concluded financial year in March. This significant increase reflects the RFA’s commitment to road safety initiatives.
As the festive season approaches, these new vehicles will play a critical role in ensuring the safety of Namibian roads.
General Shikongo noted that the handover ceremony served as a reminder of their collective responsibility to uphold the principles that bind them as He called on all to navigate the path ahead with courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to building a safer and more just society for all, especially as the festive season approaches.
