Mutorwa responds to criticism about delayed vehicle law
• Process ongoing for more than 10 years
The Vehicle Mass Bill is aimed at providing for the minimisation of excessive damage to national road networks.
Works and transport minister John Mutorwa has responded to concerns about the long wait to table the Vehicle Mass Bill, 2023, saying there’s no better time than now.
The process has been ongoing for over a decade.
Last week, Mutorwa responded to criticism about the long-delayed process.
“Better late than never. The bill went through various studies, workshops, and consultations within our country and also at the SADC level,” he explained.
He added: "This bill has to be finalised in line with the various harmonisation decisions taken at the level of the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Agreement, which decisions were also eventually adopted by the African Union Commission as a regulatory framework for transport in Africa.”
When enacted, the bill will provide for the minimisation of excessive damage to national road networks, accreditation and auditing of weigh stations, and the permissible mass for vehicles using the road network.
In addition, the bill aims to regulate laws on vehicle overloading and impose stricter sentences for transgressors, which would include both the driver and vehicle owners.
The process has been ongoing for over a decade.
Last week, Mutorwa responded to criticism about the long-delayed process.
“Better late than never. The bill went through various studies, workshops, and consultations within our country and also at the SADC level,” he explained.
He added: "This bill has to be finalised in line with the various harmonisation decisions taken at the level of the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Agreement, which decisions were also eventually adopted by the African Union Commission as a regulatory framework for transport in Africa.”
When enacted, the bill will provide for the minimisation of excessive damage to national road networks, accreditation and auditing of weigh stations, and the permissible mass for vehicles using the road network.
In addition, the bill aims to regulate laws on vehicle overloading and impose stricter sentences for transgressors, which would include both the driver and vehicle owners.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article