Niël Terblanché
Residents of Windhoek will have to look for alternative routes to avoid getting stuck in traffic during the street procession of official vehicles while the memorial and funeral services for Founding President Sam Nujoma, Friday and Saturday, are in progress.
In this regard, the Namibian Police (NamPol) issued a public notice on Thursday detailing road closures and designated parking areas ahead of the memorial and funeral proceedings for Nujoma.
Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, head of NamPol’s Public Relations Division, confirmed that temporary road closures and traffic diversions will be in place from Thursday to Saturday to ensure a well-coordinated procession of official vehicles.
Shikwambi urged the public to use alternative routes and remain patient during this time.
For the memorial service at Independence Stadium, public parking will be allocated on the western side of Hage Geingob Stadium.
On Saturday, for the final funeral and burial at Heroes Acre, public parking will be available west of the road traffic checkpoint at Heroes Acre.
Shikwambi urged the public to respect the motorcade at all times and to strictly adhere to traffic regulations.
“We expect an influx of foreign dignitaries and heads of state, which may lead to changes in road conditions. Traffic officers and police personnel will be deployed at strategic locations to assist and regulate traffic, as required,” she said.
The police have also called on residents to support efforts to ensure a dignified send-off for the country’s founding leader.
“We appreciate your cooperation in making the send-off for our Founding President and Father of the Namibian nation both memorable and dignified,” she added.
The Namibia Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) also announced temporary restrictions within the airspace of the Windhoek Flight Information Region.
These will be in force to ensure safety and security during the memorial and funeral proceedings of Nujoma.
According to an NCAA statement, the restrictions came into effect on Thursday and will be valid until Sunday.
During this time, general aviation operations at both Windhoek airports will be suspended.
In addition, unauthorised drone operations will be strictly prohibited within the designated airspace.
The NCAA also stated that the ban on drone usage applies to all private, commercial, and recreational activities, with the only exception being media operations that have received prior approval from the relevant authorities.
The aviation body has urged all operators and enthusiasts to comply with the restrictions.
The NCAA expressed gratitude to the public for their cooperation, reiterating the importance of respecting these measures as the nation bids farewell to one of its most revered leaders.
