Justicia Shipena
The Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG) plans to establish wellness clinics and improve water and sanitation facilities for truck drivers operating along Namibia’s main transport corridors.
This was revealed by WBCG acting chief executive officer Edward Shivute during an engagement with truck drivers in Walvis Bay on Wednesday.
The plan forms part of efforts to develop practical responses to challenges faced by drivers and to strengthen safety, efficiency, and reliability along the corridor network.
Shivute said the proposed wellness clinics are intended to bring basic health services closer to truck drivers, many of whom cannot leave high-value cargo unattended to seek medical care elsewhere.
“Protecting the well-being of our corridor heroes is a collective responsibility. By bringing the relevant services closer to them, we not only uphold their dignity and safety but also ensure that our corridors remain competitive and efficient,” Shivute said.
Shivute met truck drivers operating mainly along the Walvis Bay–Ndola–Lubumbashi Development Corridor and the Trans-Kalahari Corridor to understand their working conditions and day-to-day experiences on the road.
“Our truck drivers are our corridor heroes and the human engines of the transport and logistics sector. They remain the backbone of regional trade and logistics, often spending long periods away from their families to ensure that cargo moves safely and efficiently,” Shivute said.
“Engaging directly with them allows us to better understand their lived realities and to respond in ways that strengthen safety, security and efficiency on our corridors,” he added.
WBCG said it will work with private sector partners to explore the establishment of wellness clinics, sustainable water points and sanitation facilities at the truck port, with the aim of ensuring that drivers can access essential services while keeping cargo secure.
Drivers said security at the truck port was adequate but raised concerns about the lack of water and sanitation facilities, which they described as needing urgent attention.
Drivers further said that once clearance processes in Walvis Bay are completed, it usually takes seven days or less to reach the Kasumbalesa Border Post from the Port of Walvis Bay, which they said reflects the safety and efficiency of Namibia’s corridor system.
Shivute said WBCG will continue to advocate for improved safety and security for truck drivers and remains engaged with regional authorities, including law enforcement agencies, to address concerns raised and improve conditions along the corridors.
Caption
Walvis Bay Corridor Group acting chief executive officer Edward Shivute engaged with truck drivers at the Walvis Bay truck port along the B2 road last week.
- Photos: WBCG
