By: Mathias Hangala
Over 200 unemployed youths gathered at the ground-breaking ceremony of the new Namibia Traffic Information System (NaTIS) one-stop centre in Wanaheda, Katutura, on Wednesday in hopes of securing temporary construction jobs.
Among them was unemployed graduate Festus Imene, who expressed optimism about being shortlisted. He welcomed the project, noting that the new proposed systems could help curb corruption and eliminate bribery often associated with service processes.
Despite holding a qualification in carpentry and joinery, Imene said he has only managed to secure occasional piece work, but remains hopeful: “I am praying to be among those selected,” he expressed.
Giving the keynote address and commissioning the ceremony, Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi urged the contractor, August 26, to give first priority to unemployed youths from the surrounding areas when employing for general work.
Once completed, the facility is expected to ease pressure on the existing Northern Industrial NaTIS branch. It will operate as a one-stop centre offering services such as learner’s licence testing and roadworthy testing for both light and heavy vehicles.
The centre will also introduce an intelligent driver testing system, removing the need for applicants to bring their own vehicles and reducing opportunities for manipulation.
Roads Authority board chairperson Martins Kambulu said the facility will feature modern amenities, including a customer waiting area, parking, office space, and a computerised learner’s licence testing system.
A “book and pay” system will also allow clients to schedule and pay for services in advance, improving efficiency and reducing waiting times.
