NABTA Urges Parliament to Adopt Digital Oversight System
The Namibia Bus and Taxi Association (NABTA) has formally requested government intervention to address rising road accidents involving public transport, proposing a new digital platform to shift the sector from reactive measures to proactive prevention.
Appearing before the Parliamentary Committee on Transport this week, NABTA secretary general Pendapala Nakathingo emphasized that while public transport serves as the “backbone of mobility” for over 70% of Namibians daily, the sector is struggling with significant safety risks. The association warned that continued inaction threatens both the lives of passengers and drivers and the public’s confidence in the transport industry.
The Case for the Smart NABTA System (SNS)
NABTA argued that while its members have implemented self-regulatory measures—such as defensive driving training, vehicle inspections, and the use of loading masters at ranks—these efforts are insufficient to overcome the systemic challenges facing the industry.
To address these gaps, the association presented the “Smart NABTA System” (SNS), a proposed digital platform designed to provide centralized accountability and real-time monitoring. According to the proposal, the system would incorporate:
* Verification: Linking driver and vehicle data directly to the National Traffic Information System (NaTIS).
* Monitoring: Utilizing GPS tracking to oversee vehicle speed and monitor driving hours to combat fatigue.
* Digital Registration: Implementing electronic passenger registration for long-distance travel.
* Dispatching: Using electronic systems to organize taxi ranks and reduce the “bag grabbing” chaos that often leads to rushed, reckless driving.
NABTA officials, including president Jeffrey Platt, vice president Siremo Sikwaya, and chairman Magnus Nangombe, stated that the adoption of this platform could result in a 20–30% reduction in public transport accidents within 18 months, with a more professionalized sector emerging within five years.
Systemic Challenges and Road Safety Context
The association identified a range of factors contributing to the current crisis, including speeding, substance use, overloading, poor vehicle maintenance, and an aging transport fleet. Furthermore, NABTA highlighted the danger posed by wild animals on major routes, specifically the B1, and called for government assistance regarding improved fencing on bordering farms.
The urgency of these safety concerns comes against a backdrop of broader national transport challenges. Recent presentations by the Road Fund Administration (RFA) and the Roads Authority (RA) to the National Council Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure and Housing revealed that while road fatalities declined by approximately 3% between 2020 and 2024, total road crashes and injuries have increased by 11% and 7%, respectively.
Authorities noted that road maintenance demands currently exceed available funding by N$2.3 billion. While enforcement campaigns have led to a 25% reduction in speeding violations and a 76% decline in loading offences, the RFA emphasized that safer roads will require more than just stricter policing.
Proposed Solutions and Industry Partnership
NABTA is seeking a stronger partnership with the government, calling for joint operations between the association, the Ministry of Works and Transport, and law enforcement agencies. Beyond the SNS platform, the association recommended:
* The installation of dash cameras and automatic fire suppression systems, prioritizing the bus fleet.
* Stricter enforcement against unroadworthy vehicles and overloading.
* Financial incentives for operators who invest in safety technology and maintain high-standard fleets.
“Self-regulation alone is not enough. We need systems and data,” the association stated in its presentation. By moving from “chaos to order” and “reaction to prevention,” NABTA believes the proposed digital framework can make public transport the safest mode of travel in Namibia.
Key Performance Goals
| Timeline | Projected Outcome |
|---|---|
| 6 Months | Improved regulatory compliance |
| 18 Months | 20–30% reduction in public transport accidents |
| 5 Years | A more professional transport sector |
The association concluded its testimony by urging Parliament to officially adopt the NABTA System as the national digital platform for public transport regulation, characterizing the move as a vital step in protecting the lives of mothers, students, and breadwinners who rely on the network every day.
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