Bishop blames traffic cops for accidents

THE recent spate of serious road accidents that killed over 15 people on Namibian roads were a result of traffic law enforcement failure, Bishop Zephania Kameeta of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia (ELCRN) said yesterday.

Kameeta said in a statement the failure of traffic law enforcement resulted in preventable loss of life, human suffering, burdening of the health system and ultimately a degeneration of the social and economic fabric of society. “Visible policing is not a reality.When last have you seen speed enforcement or when last have you undergone a test for alcohol abuse?” Kameeta asked.He said the result was that breadwinners, caretakers, young adults and children were dying in horror accidents that could have been avoided if basic traffic laws had been enforced.He said the accidents put further strain on the already overburdened health system and used up money that could have been spent elsewhere.”Embassies are issuing warnings to potential tourists that the Namibian road system is one with an exceptionally high death toll,” Kameeta said without naming the embassies.”There is much reckless driving in Namibia.The situation is such that driving and even taking a walk has a high risk of getting you killed.”Kameeta said Namibia was doing everything to promote tourism and enhance the economy, but had failed to address the most pertinent problems.Twelve people lost their lives 11 days ago when two vehicles collided 30 km outside Kalkrand on the way to Rehoboth.Three others died four days later between Okahandja and Windhoek.Both accidents were caused by unsafe overtaking.”Visible policing is not a reality.When last have you seen speed enforcement or when last have you undergone a test for alcohol abuse?” Kameeta asked.He said the result was that breadwinners, caretakers, young adults and children were dying in horror accidents that could have been avoided if basic traffic laws had been enforced.He said the accidents put further strain on the already overburdened health system and used up money that could have been spent elsewhere.”Embassies are issuing warnings to potential tourists that the Namibian road system is one with an exceptionally high death toll,” Kameeta said without naming the embassies.”There is much reckless driving in Namibia.The situation is such that driving and even taking a walk has a high risk of getting you killed.”Kameeta said Namibia was doing everything to promote tourism and enhance the economy, but had failed to address the most pertinent problems.Twelve people lost their lives 11 days ago when two vehicles collided 30 km outside Kalkrand on the way to Rehoboth.Three others died four days later between Okahandja and Windhoek.Both accidents were caused by unsafe overtaking.