565 accidents, 94 deaths recorded

PARLIAMENTARIANS are concerned about the high number of road accidents that occurred over the past festive season and the prospect of a similar carnage during the upcoming Easter weekend.

Swapo backbencher Lucia Basson shocked the House when she revealed that 565 accidents were recorded countrywide in December and January, with 94 deaths and 378 injuries, of which 166 were serious, according to her information. Basson tabled a motion in the National Assembly last week asking fellow MPs to discuss ways of reducing these sad statistics.From March 2003 to November 2006 the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund paid over N$180 million to road users in compensation for injury and death, she said.”We have so many offices and agencies that work towards the attainment of overall road safety.With all these institutions in place and media campaigns to drive safely, why is the accident rate still so high in our country?” Basson wanted to know.She further noted that some law enforcement officers at roadblocks were “too relaxed” and did not check vehicles very diligently.”I heard of complaints from other road users that they are asked for bribes at road blocks and that officials request a lift for themselves or relatives and that tourists get harassed.”Basson noted that poor driving and disregard for traffic rules were partly to blame for accidents.The debate continues this week.Basson tabled a motion in the National Assembly last week asking fellow MPs to discuss ways of reducing these sad statistics.From March 2003 to November 2006 the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund paid over N$180 million to road users in compensation for injury and death, she said.”We have so many offices and agencies that work towards the attainment of overall road safety.With all these institutions in place and media campaigns to drive safely, why is the accident rate still so high in our country?” Basson wanted to know.She further noted that some law enforcement officers at roadblocks were “too relaxed” and did not check vehicles very diligently.”I heard of complaints from other road users that they are asked for bribes at road blocks and that officials request a lift for themselves or relatives and that tourists get harassed.”Basson noted that poor driving and disregard for traffic rules were partly to blame for accidents.The debate continues this week.