The construction of a N$60 million emergency response and traffic management centre at Arandis kicked off yesterday.
The Arandis Emergency Response and Traffic Management Centre’s groundbreaking ceremony was held at the B2 highway entrance to the town.
Erongo governor Neville Andre reflected on progress since the establishment of a temporary emergency facility in December 2021.
“At that time, I expressed a desire to see the main building constructed, given the critical need for a permanent centre to better serve our region.
“Today’s groundbreaking symbolises more than the start of a building – it’s the realisation of our commitment to safeguard lives and enhance community well-being,” he said.
The centre will play a pivotal role in addressing road incidents in the Erongo region, particularly on the busy B2 highway on the Trans-Kalahari Corridor linking the port of Walvis Bay to several landlocked southern African trade destinations.
“For too long, traffic incidents have caused immeasurable grief and loss in our communities,” Andre said.
“The Erongo region, with its extensive network connecting major economic hubs such as Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, requires robust emergency response capabilities.
“This centre will serve as a hub for emergency responders, paramedics and traffic management personnel who will work tirelessly to make our roads safer and ensure timely interventions when needed.”
Andre said the construction of the facility highlights the Namibian government’s dedication to road safety and aligns with the country’s broader safety strategy aimed at reducing accidents and fatalities.
The chairman of the National Road Safety Council, Eliphas !Owos-Oab, elaborated on the centre’s advanced technological framework, which integrates intelligence transport systems (ITS).
“This marks an indelible milestone in Namibia’s safety history as we commence construction of the nation’s first intelligence-driven traffic management centre,” he said.
!Owos-Oab said when operational, the centre will run 24/7 with real-time surveillance to monitor high-risk zones and congestion, dispatching traffic control teams when necessary.
The ITS technology will enable monitoring of traffic congestion, weather patterns and potential risk areas, with real-time alerts through variable message boards along the highways – west and east of Arandis.
“This system will provide timely warnings to drivers and will assist law-enforcement teams in preventing undesirable incidents,” he said.
!Owos-Oab said he assured the public that surveillance is not intended for personal data collection, but focuses on enhancing public safety.
Arandis mayor Risto Kapendah expressed excitement about the transformative impact the centre will have on the town and the region.
“As the first local authority in Namibia to host an emergency response and traffic management centre, Arandis is proud to lead in introducing ITS technology to combat road accidents on the B2 highway,” he said.
Kapendah said the centre will play a critical role in stabilising motor accident victims before they are transferred to more equipped medical facilities.
“The Arandis Town Council, in partnership with the National Road Safety Council, has worked tirelessly to bring this project to fruition.”
It was noted that since the system was introduced in 2021, serious road incidents have decreased.
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