The Roads Authority (RA) on Thursday launched a new driving license card embedded with improved designs that include facial and fingerprint identification technology to curb identify fraud.
During the launch in Windhoek, RA Chief Executive Officer, Conrad Lutombi, said the development of the new driving licence cards was prompted by the requirement to have a card that is fully compliant to the International Standard Organisation with enhanced safety features.
He said the new driving licence card will have biometric technology to ensure that a driving licence – card is issued to the same client that successfully completed the learner and driving tests. Additionally, law enforcement officials will be given devices, which will assist them in determining the authenticity of the card, and they will also be provided with equipment that will be linked to the system to verify if the driving licence card is valid and if the driver has any outstanding traffic fines.
‘We have acquired a new state of the art equipment that will fast track the printing process and we have implemented a strategy to ensure that we have adequate printing material at all times, to avoid interruptions. We undertake to reduce the turnaround time of the production of driving licence cards to less than 10 workings days. Our valued clients will no longer be required to wait for six weeks for their driving licence cards to be printed,’ said Lutombi.
In order to improve customer service, the CEO said, RA is going to introduce online vehicle licence renewals, automation of services and increase the queue management systems before the end of February 2022. In addition, RA is in the process to finalise the provision of mobile testing services in the regions, which will decongestion strategy of the National Information system (NaTIS).
While speaking at the same occasion, Minister of Works and Transport John Mutorwa, said as the new driving licence card is introduced, drivers must be cautioned that being a licensed driver places great responsibility on them to keep roads safe by demonstrating good road user attitude and behaviour.
‘Suffice to say, it remains the responsibility of all NaTIS officials to ensure that they conduct vehicle and driving tests of the highest standards and in compliance with the set procedures. This is to ensure that only vehicles that are fit to be operated on our roads and competent authenticated drivers make use of our local and national roads,’ said Mutorwa.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency