NDP5 plans for a reduction in road accident fatalities by more than half
The 5th National Development Plans, Transport and Logistics Strategies and Desired Outcomes for 2017 to 2022 document, released this week plans for a reduction in road accident fatalities by more than half.
NDP5 promises a world-class logistic hub connecting SADC to international markets by 2022 and a reduction in road accident fatalities since Namibia is currently ranked as one of the highest in the world as a percentage of the total population.
The reduction of the number of road crash fatalities per 100 000 to 16 from the current 23 is part of ongoing road safety planning by the Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG) in collaboration with the National Road Safety Council, who just last month concluded a road safety assessment of the Trans-Cunene Corridor.
The envisaged desired outcomes to be met by 2022 include an 1850 km increase in road upgrades to the most critical parts of the national road network to bitumen standards and 85% increase in the availability of train locomotives.
According to the document, the outcomes will also include the development and completion of the Walvis Bay port, transport corridors, border facilities and trade facilitation incentives to bring current road, rail and air cargo infrastructure up to par with international standards.
The document mentions that the expansion of the port of Walvis Bay is aimed at developing the port of Walvis Bay to be the preferred African West Coast Port by forging strategic alliances, establishing a strong and attractive operational base for international logistics as well as automating all critical operations processes, and ensuring compliance to the International Maritime Organisations regulations.
The document also highlighted how capacity and skills development in all areas of transport planning and management which includes the promotion of ‘green transportation’.
Meanwhile, WBCG’s Project Manager for the Spatial Development Initiative, Gilbert Boois said that the six month investigation conducted by Felix Tjozongoro has the intention to improve the road safety conditions on the Trans-Cunene Corridor, which contributes to the road safety in Namibia and Angola as well as cross border trade between the two countries.
Felix Tjozongoro said that the assessment is the first step in tackling the road safety issue on the Trans-Cunene Corridor, with the aim to better the roads for all its users.
Establishing strategic alliances through private-public partnerships with private sector groups such as the Walvis Bay Corridor Group and its many stakeholders in developing private sector interest is part of the strategic alliances mentioned in the Transport and Logistics Strategies and Desired Outcomes for NDP5.
