Allexer Namundjembo
Drivers and vehicle owners help the National Traffic Information System (NaTIS) generate nearly N$87 million in monthly revenue, works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi told Parliament on Wednesday.
Nekundi said that as of September, the country’s vehicle population stood at 419,716, while the number of licensed drivers was 379,023.
“Approximately 140,000 NaTIS transactions are conducted monthly, generating a revenue of about N$87 million,” he said during his ministerial statement.
Despite the strong revenue, Nekundi acknowledged that clients still face major challenges such as long queues, long waiting periods, unnecessary travel costs, corruption, and scams.
“Therefore, the ministry and its agency, NaTIS, are undertaking a transformational process to address and mitigate these challenges. Immediate transformation programmes are already underway,” he said.
He noted that new systems, including the book-and-pay module, computerised learner licence testing, e-driving licences and an automated driving testing system, are at different stages of implementation.
Recognising growing demand in Windhoek, Nekundi said congestion at NaTIS centres remains a concern.
“We are aware of the challenges faced by residents, particularly in areas such as Havana, Hakahana, Goreangab, and other surrounding communities. The Ministry has acquired land in Wanaheda to bring NaTIS services closer to these communities,” he said.
In 2023, the Roads Authority (RA), which oversees NaTIS, revised fees for several services.
At that time, RA’s chief executive officer Conrad Lutombi said motorists pay N$2 000 for personalised licence plates, including manufacturing costs, while duplicates cost N$240.
Transferring a personalised plate costs N$80. Meanwhile, the allocation of a specific licence number costs N$600, while the transfer of a licence number to one’s own vehicle costs N$80. Transfers to another owner’s vehicle also cost N$600.
Other updated fees included N$280 for the annual renewal of a personalised number, N$80 for issuing a chassis or engine number and N$30 for a duplicate document or token. Confirming information costs N$50 per item.
Lutombi had stated that applying for a learner’s licence, including the test, costs N$45, while issuing the licence costs N$50.
A driving licence application costs N$160 and professional authorisation costs N$110. The issuing or replacement of a driving licence of any code costs N$200.
Other charges include N$50 for a temporary driving licence, N$150 for a roadworthiness test and N$100 for the certificate, N$40 for an operator’s identity notification, and N$30 for a duplicate operator card.
In 2020, NaTis recorded over 1.3 million transactions, generating an income of N$704.3 million. This represented an increase of 9.8% compared to the 2017/18 period, according to the Roads Authority’s 2018/19 annual report.
