Swakopmund: After several years of inactivity, the Erongo Region Road Safety Forum has been revived to strengthen coordination among stakeholders and renew commitment to safer roads across the region.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the forum was first established in 2012 under the leadership of the late Erongo Governor Cleophas Mutjavikua. It initially brought together 34 institutions, including law enforcement agencies, local authorities, emergency services, driving schools, and youth organizations. However, the forum became dormant due to administrative and structural challenges.

Speaking at the relaunch, Erongo Governor Natalia |Goagoses commended the regional leadership and stakeholders for restoring the forum's mandate. She stated that its revival symbolizes renewed efforts to make Namibian roads safer and continue the legacy of community-driven safety awareness. The governor emphasized the importance of building on past achievements, such as significant reductions in road accidents and enhanced public awareness campaigns.

Governor |Goagoses expressed that the forum is dedicated to saving lives often lost due to the lack of visibility and enforcement presence on roads. The relaunch aims to restore its purpose, strengthen partnerships, and ensure that road safety remains at the center of the regional agenda. She also called for increased accountability and proactive engagement among members, urging them to be visible and active in their duties. The governor stressed the need for urgency in public service to prevent delays, as lives are at stake.

Forum treasurer Bessel Khaiseb highlighted that the relaunch signifies a shared commitment to safer roads and responsible road use across the region. He articulated the forum's mission to coordinate efforts, share information, and implement practical strategies that reduce road crashes, injuries, and fatalities. Khaiseb noted that the forum has been nationally recognized for its success in hosting awareness campaigns, school safety programs, and community outreach initiatives.

Chairperson of the Erongo Regional Council, Benitha Imbamba, described the relaunch as a renewal of energy and collective determination to strengthen partnerships in road safety.