TRUCK STOPS TO IMPROVE TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE ALONG THE WALVIS BAY CORRIDORS

The Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG) in conjunction with the Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), Massachusetts, USA, conducted a feasibility study recently on the establishment of truck stops along the Walvis Bay Corridors. The purpose for the study was to determine which services are deemed necessary available to truck drivers utilizing the Walvis Bay Corridors and to determine strategic locations for the truck stops along the corridors. With the increase in traffic along the corridors it has become imperative to further improve the transport infrastructure along the Walvis Bay Corridors, by establishing trucks stops and upgrading existing ones to ensure a comfortable and safe environment for the truck drivers and their consignments, whilst resting. In addition, the study was conducted to determine which existing service stations could potentially be converted into truck stops. The concept to establish truck stops resulted from the lack of full-service truck stops in Namibia. Currently truck drivers have to stop at multiple locations to sleep, eat a full meal, shower, or get general health care services when travelling long distances. With the absence of these facilities, the Walvis Bay Corridors becomes are challenging to travel along these vast distances between urban settlements. Furthermore, according to the study the establishment of truck stops at the main borders of the Walvis Bay Corridors and other key locations would make it a viable option for the effective use of these truck stops. Based on the surveys the interviews pointed out the need for envisaged full-service truck stops to feature the following range of services, inter alia, shower facilities, adequate ablution facilities, take-ways, convenience stores, diesel fuel, maintenance garage, leisure facilities, wellness centres, banking (ATMs), restaurants, bed & breakfast facilities and pay phones. Secured parking should be a key imperative at these truck stops to safeguard the the truck, deter theft of diesel fuel from the truck and more importantly the consignments being transported. With the envisaged expansion of the Port of Walvis Bay and the anticipated increase in traffic, it is imperative to ensure that truck stops help us mitigate safety and security issues along the Walvis Bay Corridors. The establishment of robust truck stops along our trade routes will not only benefit the investors, financial stakeholders and local municipalities but will have economic spin-offs such as job creation as well as supporting the informal sectors and other entrepreneurs. Henceforth, WBCG supports the establishment of truck stops along the Walvis Bay Corridors as a matter of priority.