NaTIS goes mobile
Road safety services and vehicle registration closer to rural areas
The Roads Authority (RA) launched its first mobile vehicle testing station in Rehoboth on Thursday last week.Speaking at the event, the Minister of Works and Transport John Mutorwa said that the testing station on wheels will positively improve consumer satisfaction by bringing NaTIS services to people's front doors.
The test station will bring services such as roadworthiness tests closer, will be able to offer the validation of licences, handle registration of vehicle and driver's licences, including suspension and cancellation of vehicle registration, and will be used together with NamPol for special road safety operations, he says.
He added that the mobile station brings services to where there are no established NaTIS offices and helps to reduce congestion at NaTIS offices. According to Mutorwa, it is part of the RA's strategy to shorten long queues of waiting consumers. Towns like Aranos, Bethanie, Okahao, Nkurenkuru, Divundu and Bukkalo will benefit a lot from the development, according to the minister.
At the same event, the RA's chief executive officer Conrad Lutombi said the mobile test station is an innovative solution to improve access to NaTIS services, which are considered essential. Over the next three months, the mobile facility will be deployed in the Hardap and //Kharas regions. It will also be used for trade shows and road safety campaigns.
According to Lutombi, the RA intends to acquire four additional mobile testing stations, along with a truck equipped to work as a mobile registration authority office. Vehicle registration, learner's licence and driver's licence tests and the renewal of driver's licences will be done at the mobile office.
“One of the main advantages of this mobile test station is its versatility. It is equipped with the latest technology and equipment, which ensures accurate and efficient testing of various aspects, including brakes, lights and overall safety compliance," said Lutombi. He also insists that the mobile test station is staffed by, “highly skilled and certified RA staff members who are dedicated to providing reliable and professional services. They will not only carry out the necessary tests, but also provide guidance and education to vehicle owners on the importance of regular maintenance and compliance with safety regulations. By empowering individuals with knowledge, we aim to create a culture of responsible vehicle ownership and contribute to safer roads," he says.
Minister Mutorwa makes a point of warning against crooks pretending to be NaTIS officers. "All NaTIS services are offered over the counter within a NaTIS centre, and not around the street corner!" said the minister. He told criminals that they would face the full wrath of the law when caught. - [email protected]