13 May 2014

The Department of Transport and Road Safety (DRTS) station manager in Gumare, Mr Chester Rubeko has said conducting of driving tests is still a challenge in Okavango.

Speaking in an interview, Mr Rubeko said even though the situation was getting better, lack of enough examiners in the district was the root cause for the delay.

He explained that at the moment, he was the only one authorised to examine and sometimes he was not able to meet the needs of the customers, thus resulting in long queues.

Mr Rubeko said even though this was the case, they tried hard to assist customers by taking large numbers for writing theory tests, parking and the driving tests.

He said in a month, over 200 people visited the centre for bookings, adding that at the moment they used a register where people wrote their names for fairness. He also said they sometimes gave customers numbers to make sure that they were able to book.

Another challenge that hindered him from satisfying customers was that since he was the only examiner, sometimes when people came to book he will be in other villages such as Shakawe.

He said for the surrounding villages, there were people he worked with to inform customers about the time when he will be coming to examine them, noting that he tries his best to reach all villages in Okavango.

Mr Rubeko further said office space hinders them to accommodate many people especially during booking times as he asks for assistance from other departments.

He added that they currently have one vehicle and are expecting a Toyota Land Cruiser that will enable him to reach farthest places. ENDS