Activist Michael Amushelelo’s attempt to get a court order for the removal of speed humps installed on the Western Bypass road in Windhoek has failed.
Judge Gabriel Komboni dismissed Amushelelo’s urgent application against the minister of works and transport, Veikko Nekundi, and the Roads Authority (RA) about the speed humps in the Windhoek High Court on Friday.
Amushelelo was asking the court to declare the installation of speed humps on the Western Bypass road in the vicinity of Windhoek’s Northern Industrial Area unlawful, not in compliance with the Road Traffic and Transport Act of 1999 and a public hazard.
He also asked the court to compel the minister of works and transport and the RA to immediately, or within 24 hours after the court issued such an order, remove the speed humps placed on the Western Bypass.
Lastly, Amushelelo requested the court to issue an interdict that would stop the minister and the RA from constructing or authorising any further speed humps on any national highway or designated freeway in Namibia.
Amushelelo argued that the speed humps disrupt the free flow of traffic and pose a risk to motorists using the road.
Nekundi opposed Amushelelo’s application, and claimed the concept of a “highway” does not exist in Namibian law and that no road in Namibia has been officially declared a freeway.
According the to RA, the speed humps were installed on parts of the road where accidents involving pedestrians crossing the Western Bypass have been recorded.
Komboni heard oral arguments on the urgent application three weeks ago.
Amushelelo did not have legal representation in the matter.
Government lawyer Wilhelm Amukoto represented the minister.
