Staff Reporter
THE Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) fund of Namibia is offering support to tourists injured in a car accident that involved 54 tourists and that claimed the lives of two foreign nationals outside Walvis Bay, near the Kuiseb River.
Rosalia Martins-Hausiku, Chief Executive Officer of the MVA fund said, “The Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund extends its deepest condolences to the families affected by the tragic crash which occurred on the Kuiseb river road between Walvis Bay and the Kuiseb Pass resulting in the death of 2 people and injuries to many more. The Fund wishes to assure the families that the injured will receive the appropriate medical care and attention they need. We extend our deepest sympathies to the persons injured of the recent tragic road crash and their families. The MVA Fund is offering support to those affected and is closely monitoring their recovery,”.
She further encouraged Family members to contact the nearest MVA Fund service centre in Walvis Bay at Tel: 064 202 677/659 or WalvisBay@mvafund.com.na for funeral and other benefits offered by the Fund.
“Foreign nationals in Namibia are entitled to medical treatment and injury management for the duration of their stay in the country. Additionally, if a foreign national is fatally injured in a road accident in Namibia, they are eligible for a N$ 7000.00 funeral grant. It is alarming to note that the recent Easter statistics revealed road crashes have risen by 6%, injuries by 19%, and fatalities by an overwhelming 60%. These figures not only reflect a shocking increase from the previous year but also signify a critical need for immediate intervention to ensure the safety of all road users,” Martins Hausiku said.
She further said that the safety of road users is of paramount importance because road crashes have devastating consequences that affect families, communities, and the nation at large.
“The MVA Fund has noted that these crashes are often predictable and preventable through conscientious driving, strict adherence to road traffic rules and regulations, planning long journeys while also avoiding driving at night when there is less visibility on the road. The Fund would like to remind the public to report crashes to its toll-free accident response number, 9682, as doing so could save lives,” Martins-Hausiku concluded.
