Otjiwarongo:The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) Acting Inspector-General, Major-General Anna Marie-Nainda, officially relaunched the Otjozondjupa Regional Road Safety Forum at Otjiwarongo on Thursday. The initiative aims to enhance road safety along critical road networks and feeder roads in the region.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the forum's revival is intended to provide a structured platform for addressing road safety issues, particularly on the busy routes between Okahandja, Otjiwarongo, and Otavi, as well as roads leading to Kalkfeld and Outjo. Major-General Nainda emphasized the importance of defining clear objectives to ensure stakeholders understand their roles in mitigating road safety challenges. She highlighted the need to identify accident-prone areas, analyze crash causes, and determine appropriate interventions.

The Otjozondjupa Region recorded approximately 220 road crashes from January to November this year, resulting in 498 injuries and 54 fatalities. Commissioner Philip Hidengwa, Otjozondjupa Regional Police Commander, will chair the forum, with Lieutenant Colonel Simon Haufiku of the Namibian Defence Force as deputy chairperson. The roles of secretary, vice-secretary, and treasurer will be filled by Paulina Abraham, Petrus Muronga, and Jaco Alberts, respectively.

Chairperson of the National Road Safety Council, retired Deputy Police Commissioner Amalia Gawanas, announced financial support of approximately N$200,000 for the forum. The launch event included a street procession and a road accident simulation to promote public awareness of road safety. The forum aims to achieve zero road crashes and fatalities during the upcoming festive season.

In conjunction with the launch, B2Gold Namibia and NamPol signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance their partnership and cooperation. The MoU was signed by Major-General Nainda for NamPol and B2Gold General Manager Eric Bernard.