‘Pedestrian safety shouldn’t be at motorists’ cost’

Activist Michael Amushelelo took part in a protest along Windhoek’s Western Bypass on Saturday against the newly installed N$704 000 speed humps that are causing severe traffic congestion.

The humps were installed after minister of works and transport Veikko Nekundi gave a directive to do so.

The protesters on Saturday said the directive has caused congestion and disrupted traffic flow along one of the capital’s busiest corridors.

Amushelelo said the motorists were exercising their constitutional rights while calling for alternative safety measures.

“We have over 1 000 signatures from petitioners,” he said.

“We are not against pedestrians’ lives being safeguarded, but the safety of pedestrians should not come at the expense of motorists,” he said.

Amushelelo said motorists already contribute significantly to road infrastructure funding through fees and fuel levies.

“As motorists we spend huge amounts of money – not only every time we pay for our roadworthy or licence test, but every time we fuel up,” he said.

The activist said the group was willing to contribute towards a long-term solution such as pedestrian bridges.

“If the government doesn’t have the funds to build a safe pedestrian bridge, we are more than willing to raise funds as motorists to build that bridge,” he said.

The group remained on site until 13h00 to hand over a petition, warning that further action could follow if the authorities did not engage them.

“Minister, please ensure you come and receive this petition.

Failure of you to receive this petition, we as motorists will officially block this road,” he said.

Amushelelo said legal steps had already been initiated to challenge restrictions placed on the protest.

Meanwhile, Hendrik Kruger (67) said he joined the protest in solidarity with residents who use the road daily, despite not being a frequent user himself.

“I don’t use this road often, but I support my friends who live in Brakwater and Elisenheim,” he said.

Kruger said he had placed flowers near the road in honour of the people who could be affected by crashes or vehicle damage.

“That is for all the people involved who can die on this road because of these bombs,” he said.

He said the speed humps were causing delays for workers and affecting business operations.

“My workers are living here in Lafrenz, going there, and they are late for work every morning,” he said.

Another motorist, Eric Geleni (42) from Osona village, said the humps had forced him to adjust his daily travel routine significantly.

He said he believed there were better long-term solutions to road safety concerns.

“Bridges should be built for people to cross over,” he said.

Geleni called for public support of a petition circulating among motorists.

“Let’s make a difference to our country’s people,” he said.

Nekundi did not respond to requests for comment by the time of going to print.

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