MVA rolls out ‘Opotuli Easter Campaign’

The Easter long-weekend is generally characterized by a surge in traffic volumes especially on the B1 route passing through Windhoek leading to either the southern or northern direction while more congestion is expected on the B2 route, leading to the coastal part of the country.
This period has in the past been perceived as one of the darkest weekends in Namibia as many lives were lost and many more people left with varying degrees of injury.
MVA Fund statistics indicate that from 1 January 2017 to 2 April 2017, 889 crashes were recorded. The crashes resulted in 1451 injuries and 144 fatalities.
In order to reduce crashes and minimize suffering as a resultant of crashes, the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund with road safety partners will roll out a series of road safety activities during the Easter weekend. The ‘Opotuli’ Easter campaign will be rolled out at the Windhoek, Karibib, Mariental and Otjiwarongo roadblocks throughout Easter weekend starting from today with primary focus on seatbelt usage, random alcohol breath testing and vehicle testing.
In a statement released yesterday the MVA Fund Chief of Corporate Affairs, Kapena Tjombonde mentioned that pedestrian safety will also enjoy special attention as statistics over the past three years confirmed the vulnerability of pedestrians.
MVA Fund’s emergency response services are available in Windhoek, Otjiwarongo, Omuthiya, Rehoboth and Arandis, complemented by other public and private emergency services.
To save a life the public is urged to call the MVA Fund Accident Response Number at 081 9682 for prompt emergency medical services.
“The challenge is on-The challenge is now. The MVA Fund challenges each and every road user to arrive safely at their destination this Easter. Remember, it takes one second to turn cheers into tears. The Fund wishes every road user a peaceful Easter holiday,” said Tjombonde.