Government rules out introduction of e-tolls

By: Selma Taapopi

Works and Transport Minister, Veikko Nekundi, has assured the nation that the government has no plans to introduce electronic tolls on the country’s roads, reaffirming a long-standing policy decision to reject the system.

Speaking in Parliament this week, Nekundi said the decision followed a feasibility study conducted during his tenure as Deputy Minister of Works and Transport under former minister John Mutorwa.

He said the findings led the ministry to reject the implementation of e-tolls, a position that remains unchanged. According to Nekundi, the government has maintained its stance and there are currently no plans to introduce electronic tolling in the country.

Nekundi was responding to an urgent question from Affirmative Repositioning (AR) member of parliament, Job Amupanda, who sought clarity on reports suggesting that the Road Fund Administration (RFA) was considering introducing e-tolls.

Amupanda said public concern had grown following the installation of speed humps and reports linking them to possible electronic tolling plans. He argued that Namibia’s economy could not sustain such a system, warning that motorists would face an additional financial burden when travelling between towns or making routine trips.

He also pointed to the experiences of other African countries, including South Africa and Kenya, where electronic tolling systems have faced significant challenges. Amupanda urged the minister to provide assurance that the government would not pursue a policy that would increase the cost of road travel for ordinary Namibians.

In response, Nekundi reiterated that the government remains committed to its earlier decision against e-tolls and said no such system is under consideration, assuring Parliament and the public that the country’s road users will not be subjected to electronic toll charges.

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