Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697812310592.pdf (Namibia)
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Windhoek Tel: +B84 81 BSS 81583 FaxBE: +884 888 1S1S7471 Em.aU: pcbnn&ndbta@tpna.ll.coDl 16 FEBRUARY 2022 c. TO DISCUSS, DEBATES SEEKS BY THE PUBLIC THE MOTION THE CHALLENGES INDUSTRY DURING r EXPERIENCED PERIODS OF STATE OF EMERGANCY AND TO SEEKS TO AGREE ON MEASURES TO AID SUCH INDUSTRY DURING PERIODS OF STATE OF ~ IT FURTHER SEEKS TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF EMERGANCIES.
ILLEGAL OR UNAUTHORIZE ROAD TRANSPORTATION OF PASSENGERS OvE;;-;R~V~A~R~I~O~UTCS'lLi'<O~C7""TA·L-"'AHU"T"'TMHI':'IlOt""I'Rn-T'"I I"""y(fUB'TorrUTlliN""D"\AnRD"IfiE;;(;S~.--~ TRANSPORT 1 " ---- /' > HOD Speaker, HOD Members It is clear that Covid-19 will be with us for longer than expected.

Although not a high number of deaths were reported during the initial outbreak in 2020, Namibia and its nation (End has suffered during the 2021 winter season with more than 3400 deaths reported.
August 2021) The corona virus outbreak continues to have an impact on all of us, as new cases become known every day in Namibia and different countries around the world.

It is time in Namibia.

The clear from statistics that covid-19 cases increase during winter introduction of strict in importance.

It would be sensible to revisit measures and regulations Namibia is of utmost of state of emergencies.
that governs (Lockdown) to protect Namibian lives during winter months sector during periods the public regulations transport CHALLENGES IN THE TRANSPORT INDUSTRY Hon Speaker, Hon Members, The Public Transport Sector in Namibia is a major role player in the Namibian economy and has suffered tremendously during the past months, especially during lockdown periods.
The restrictions put in place to limit the diffusion and impact of Covid-19 had a widespread impact on people's lives in 2021 and the Public Transport Industry In p:1r/-rcM (Ct r .

Hon Speaker, Hon Members, strict regulations Sector was not excluded.

The reduction of passengers between various destinations unfortunately, by Governments the impact of Covid-19 has led to the implementation of across the globe.
The Namibian Public Transport transported at any given time resulted in that some 1 TRANSPORT OPERA TORS were forced to relinquish busses, through commercial banks as they could not continue with installments.

The during the middle of the month, as some passengers were left REGISTERED bought amendment of measure on short notice, especially further stranded.

resulted in chaos at some loading terminals Hon Speaker, Hon Members, passenger towns of Rehoboth, Okahandja making processes basis.
Restrictions regulations for the country hence the and Groot -Aub is more influenced by the decision- as many commutes between these towns and Windhoek on a daily as some during Regional lock dawns have uncovered challenges, seems to be impractical when it comes to implementation.

is essential transport instead, as Regulations introduced should not be regarded as punitive but rather as helpful it is in efforts to save lives.
However, such regulations have caused the collapse of many small and medium businesses, which resulted injob losses and pay cuts in some industries.

Hon Speaker, Hon Members Public transport plays a huge role in local and regional economic outputs and is therefore an to best serve the needs of essential service to be maintained as long as reasonable.
In order, the sector during this pandemic, Namibia needs a detailed set of guidelines for public transport operators to soften the burden of COVID-19" on the industry.

These guidelines need to be prepared in line with measures and regulations by Government to address the spread of the covid-19 outbreak and they should aim to assist public transport operators stability plans responding to the specific challenges of communicable diseases.
in having business Hon Speaker, Hon Members operations to get entry into the Some measures have opened a loophole for pirate industry.

Apart from the impact of covid-19 on the sector, the industry faces some other challenges such as unfair competition from "pirate transport operators".

The illegal or unauthorized transportation of passengers by private vehicles and" seven seaters" have further destabilize the industry.
It is clear that certain sections of the Road Transportation Act, 74 of 1977 are violated in particular Sections 21 (3) (e) and 24(2)(a)(b).

Sections 21 (3) (e) states" The conveyance of persons by means of a motor car for reward will only be within any portion of the area of jurisdiction of any local authority" Section 24(2)(a)(b) states that the permit holder not be authorized or exempted to operate over the boundary of any local authority area".
it is alleged that registered Furthermore, receive harsh treatment from law enforcement agencies, whilst at the same time it is alleged that the very same I had the law enforcement agencies are very lenient opportunity to attend several meetings with some of the role players in the transport sector operators".

to "pirate operators transport transport 2 implemented the last being on Sunday, 06 February 2022.
During these over the past few months, they at all times respect repeatedly accent meetings members present, measures transport to save guard lives but operators" has caused chaos in the sector.

The current state of affairs warrant urgent intervention.

Apart from the financial distress suffered by registered transport operators, they are now faced with daily treats by some armed" pirate transport operators" between Rehoboth and Windhoek.
to the fact that the attitude of "pirate that Hon Speaker, Hon Members Safety is a top priority for everyone working in, and using, public transport and registered role-players represented by NABTA are prepared to work with Government to ensure the safety of passengers.

Public transport systems are essential for every town and city to ensure mobility and continued organized save public transport services which is therefore vital to all of us.
(Question on seven Seaters) Hon Speaker, Hon Members in the Public Transport It is clear that some measures introduced by Government Sector have not been effective and therefore needs to be reviewed, before we enter the 2022 winter season.

Detailed recommendations on preparedness, personal protection, and reduction of contact, travel advice and proper communication are needed between the public transport sector and government when measures are considered and before its announcement.
Good practices and recommendation are important when concerns are raised over new outbreaks and what they mean for the Public Transport Industry , Namibia and the outside world.

Recommendations That 1.

GovernmentlIine Ministry in the Public Transport Industry when considering inputs to the national covid-19 response plan.

little coordinates with stake holders (Representatives claim that is no or industry in the there communication from the line Ministry when approached to address problems in the sector).
2.

Government/line Ministry comes clear on the operation of pirate operators, for reward over seven seaters and private cars operating which includes boundaries of various local authorities.

3 3.

The line Ministry and Law enforcement force) meets with role players towards emergencies.

the implementations in the transport ( NamPol, City Police, Special Field to seek solutions industries of regulations during lockdowns and state of 4.
In the light of the importance services roles it plays, Government financial affiliated to recognized transport unions.

public transport considers section and the essential as a matter of emergency, support during periods of lockdown to registered operators who are 5.

The implementation of an information system that systems to that of the Ministries of Works and Transport "Legal Transport Operators" to ensure same time also identify pirate operators appropriate contributes in the transport action.
links the traffic information and Finance in order the industry and to take to the fiscus but at 6.

That the City of Windhoek provide proper terminals to long distance passenger for the need of the sector.

transport operators, as some of the current ones no more caters To conclude I move that Parliament this Assembly.

this Motion be revered to a relevant Standing Committee of for proper consultation with the relevant stake holders and to report back to I thank you 4