Opinion – When safety must come first

For many years, the Western Bypass in Windhoek has been associated with one unfortunate reality: the loss of human life.

Numerous Namibians, particularly pedestrians from surrounding communities, have lost their lives while attempting to cross this busy dual carriageway. Families have buried loved ones, children have lost parents, and breadwinners have been taken away from households in tragic road accidents that could have been prevented.

For years, residents of Windhoek called on government authorities to intervene and address the growing number of pedestrian fatalities along this route.

The public repeatedly asked when the government would take action to protect vulnerable road users. Today, after the government finally responded, some of the same voices are now calling for the removal of the very measures introduced to save lives.

This raises a key question: what is government’s main role?

One core duty is to protect citizens’ lives and well-being.

Road safety is a public safety issue, not just transport.

When lives are lost on a road, the government must act morally and constitutionally.