By Mpho Shelile
The Ministry of public works and transport with the department of road fund held a meeting with the South African road traffic management corporation (RTMC) to pave way also equate their cooperation on the National Traffic Information System also known as eNaTIS systems. The system has been implemented by South Africa’s National Department of Transport for the purpose of using strategic state resources as a way to improve the country’s existing transport infrastructure management.
The CEO of Road Fund Mr. Nkekeletse Makara in his welcoming remarks stated that they have the responsibility of ensuring that they offer services which are efficient, “it is not going to be a smooth journey but the bottom line is, the service that we give has to be efficient”, emphasized Makara. The government of Lesotho is committed to using the eNaTIS system that South Africa is using in order to ensure their efficiency, stated Makara.
He further promised an improved traffic service moving forward adding that his office has left no stone unturned regarding the system, “what kills most leaders is that they often get too comfortable in their roles and forget that they are in that position to serve the people and focus on themselves, but I can assure you that there is going to be tension because we leave no stone unturned and intend on telling nothing but the truth, for the benefit of the country and the citizens of Lesotho. We want standardized and efficient vehicle registration system like eNaTIS to facilitate international cooperation on cross-border traffic issues and vehicle registration without any complications.
The minister of Public Works and Transport Hon. Neo Matjato Moteane indicated that he hopes for better services with this system as the demission of government, “I am actually surprised to see how big the team that looks after Lesotho is, and for that we just need to work on a few things. We want to be cutting edge of systems and technologies” stated Hon. Moteane, he further stated that they need to get into new arrangements and rely on existing agreements for better results.
“We will work better with our colleagues in South Africa in order to deliver more efficient services. I always say if the law does not stop you from doing what is right let us try and change the law it’s as simple as that”. He concluded by stating that most Basotho did not vote in this past elections which is an indication that they are not doing their job, which is to serve them. He also pleaded with people who have applied for their passports and license to go and collect them since majority of them are not collected.
The executive manager of Road Traffic Information Management Mr. Kevin Kara stated that the NaTIS is a national register and asset that stores, records, manages and enforces the requirements of the National Road Traffic Act (NRTA) and the National Road Traffic Regulations (NRTR). “What the system does is, to provide for the registration and licensing of vehicles. It manages and records applications for and authorizations of driving and learner’s licenses. It is a law enforcement tool which is used to ensure that the details of vehicles that are stolen are circulated to prevent irregular and fraudulent re-registration of such vehicles. It serves as a register for recording the decisions of safety as provided by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). This process, where the SABS is linked to the NaTIS, ensures that only vehicles that meet our country’s stringent safety standards are allowed to be registered in this country. NaTIS is seen as a key resource to provide effective road traffic management”, stated Mr. Kevin.
He further specified that the system is incorporating the very latest and advanced technology. The eNaTIS is on par with the very best road traffic information systems in the world, in fact, such that its sophistication will undoubtedly set a new international benchmark. Already incorporating important open source components, the eNaTIS will continually expand its open source footprint while adhering to recent government policy on free and open source software. Under its skin the eNaTIS bristles with enhancements that will provide South Africa with unparalleled transport infrastructure management capabilities.
Public Works and Transport PS. Tšepang Koele in her remarks stated that the eNaTIS system that they are using will assist the ministry in making sure that they achieve their goals and services are delivered efficiently to the citizens of Lesotho. “I would like to begin by thanking our team for their hard work and dedication. It is important to note that the specified importance of eNaTIS to Lesotho depends on its implementation and the country’s unique needs and challenges. The system’s effectiveness also relies on proper maintenance, data accuracy, and continuous improvement in response to evolving transportation and safety requirements.” she concluded by adding that the system will be providing Integration of eNaTIS with other government systems, such as tax and law enforcement databases, which can enhance data accuracy and improve overall governance.