Windhoek: The Road Fund Administration (RFA) has announced the implementation of a licence fee waiver to address outstanding vehicle debt. RFA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ali Ipinge, during a media briefing on Wednesday announced that the organisation will, as part of the waiver, write off N.dollars 371 million in vehicle licence fee debt that is older than three years.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Ipinge said the waiver is a result of amendments to the Road Fund Act which went into effect on 22 August 2025. These changes now classify vehicle licence debt older than three years as 'prescribed.' Under the amended legislation, these debts are legally extinguished and will be automatically written off by both the RFA and the Namibia Traffic Information System (NATIS).

Ipinge explained that vehicle owners need not apply for consideration as the process will take place automatically. He emphasized that this is a vital step in relieving the public of historical debt that can only be imposed on the NATIS system. The amended Act also makes provision for relief measures on debt younger than three years, also referred to as unprescribed debt, which is a form of assistance commonly described as amnesty.

For debt less than three years old, referred to as unprescribed debt, the amended Act introduces an opportunity for relief or amnesty and allows vehicle owners to apply for a waiver of interest and penalties on outstanding amounts. While the principal vehicle licence fees remain payable, the interest and penalties can be waived upon successful application by the respective road users.

Ipinge noted that the changes offer a balance between care and responsibility, reducing Namibians' financial pressures while safeguarding the sustainability of Namibian roads.