Stray animals, traffic hazards in Gobabis

WALLACE FINNIES WRITES:

I am writing to express my absolute outrage and deep concern regarding the uncontrolled and dangerous presence of roaming animals within our town boundaries. This situation poses a severe, life-threatening danger to motorists, pedestrians and the animals themselves.

I demand immediate answers to the following questions:

– Why does the Municipality of Gobabis actively refuse to impound stray animals found in town? These animals are an immense hazard and have the potential to cause catastrophic, even fatal, motor vehicle accidents. By neglecting to enforce local impoundment by laws, the Municipality of Gobabis is failing in its mandate to protect public safety.

– Has the Municipality of Gobabis officially approved the walking of livestock and roaming of animals on town roads? If so, at which Council Meeting?

It is entirely unacceptable that moving vehicles are routinely forced to stop and wait for animals to pass at their own speed, or even watch as they stand stationary in the middle of our roads. Is this a sanctioned municipal policy, or are negligent owners simply being allowed to break the law without consequence?

Under the Local Authorities Act and Municipal Animal Control Regulations, allowing livestock or aggressive animals to roam freely in residential and public areas is an offense.

Furthermore, driving livestock on public roads without the proper permits and safety measures (such as red flags or lights) is a direct violation of Namibian road traffic regulations.

Please provide a prompt, official response detailing exactly what the Municipality plans to do to resolve this daily threat, including strict enforcement of impoundment procedures and penalties for irresponsible owners.

I look forward to your ‘URGENT’ reply before a tragic accident occurs.

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