TKC joint law enforcement operation hopes to curb road carnage

SWAKOPMUND, SEPT. 13 – One of the just-launched Trans Kalahari Corridor (TKC) Joint Law Enforcement Operation’s objectives is to minimise road accidents and the transportation of dangerous and illegal goods.
This was according to Namibian Police Inspector-General, Lieutenant General Sebastian Ndeitunga in a speech read on his behalf during the launch of the seventh Trans Kalahari Corridor Secretariat (TKCS) Joint Law Enforcement Operation outside Swakopmund on the B2 road on Wednesday.
“Our aim should be to curb drinking and driving and concentrate on roadworthiness of vehicles, as well as dangerous goods and passenger transport. Vehicles will also be searched for drugs, rhino horns, elephant trunks and human trafficking,” Ndeitunga stressed.
He alluded to increased visibility and enforcing compliance along the corridor as part of the operation’s aims.
Minister of Works and Transport, John Mutorwa in a speech read on his behalf also highlighted the increase of vehicle crashes, noting that the campaign will hopefully address this.
“Statistics by the World Health Organisation project that traffic injuries will accelerate and overtake HIV/AIDS as a cause of death by 2030,” Mutorwa noted.
He referenced that although the number of road accidents globally has remained constant since 2017, the fact that a significant decline is yet to be observed underlines the need to find ways of strengthening the implementation of effective interventions.
Mutorwa further urged African governments to stand together and declare a war on road accidents, noting that the scourge will be overcome with concerted efforts and collaborations.
“I am however comforted by the fact that through this initiative, road safety education is propagated to the public.”
The operation launched on Wednesday consists of close to 80 law enforcers from Namibia Botswana and South Africa. It is expected to end on Friday. – NAMPA