‘Don’t burden drivers with cost of new plates,’ industry warns
Namibian transport stakeholders are expressing concern over the government's plan to introduce high-security vehicle number plates. They argue that the costs of this transition should not be passed on to struggling public transport operators and question the technological feasibility of the system in rural areas.
Why it matters
The debate highlights the tension between state-led modernization efforts and the economic realities faced by small business owners in developing transport sectors.
Parliamentary opposition parties and transport-sector stakholders have welcomed the government’s planned introduction of high-security vehicle number plates, but warned that the initiative must not become another financial burden on already struggling public transport operators.
Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) shadow minister of works and transport Nelson Kalangula and Namibia Revolutionary Transport and Manufacturing Union (Naretu) commander-in-chief Petersen Kambinda yesterday said they support efforts to eliminate fake number plates, but questioned the cost, implementation and potential surveillance implications of the new system.
Kalangula questions who would carry the cost of the transition, particularly for taxis, shuttle and bus operators already facing high fuel, permit and maintenance costs.
“Taxpayers and small transport businesses should not subsidise system upgrades resulting from state enforcement failures,” Kalangula says.
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