WINDHOEK, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Namibian government has made commendable progress in curbing the prevalent cases of illegal fuel trade in the country, following the roll-out of an awareness campaign this year, an official said Thursday.

The Ministry of Mines and Energy joint with the Namibian Police this year rolled out a campaign to curb the illicit trade.

Abednego Ekandjo, an economist in the Ministry of Mines and Energy, said that since the inception of the campaign on educating the public on the Petroleum Products Act, requirements and safety hazards associated with petroleum storage as well as handling, the Police has helped apprehend illegal importation and distribution of fuel.

"So far this year, the Police has confiscated 90 000 liters of illegal fuel. The Ministry will not tolerate any illegal fuel trade or any contravention of the Petroleum Products and Energy Act," Ekandjo added.

According to Ekandjo, Namibia has been battling with illegal fuel trade, mainly imported and smuggled from neighboring Angola into Namibia at border areas in the northern part of Namibia. Illegal fuel smuggled from Angola is predominantly sold in the Ohangwena, Omusati and Oshana regions in northern Namibia.

"The illegal trade of fuel has long-term negative impacts on the economy, and spillage may damage the environment and ecosystem. Fuel is also a hazardous commodity, and should only be sourced, stored and distributed by compliant and licensed traders or retailers, hence the need to redouble efforts," he said. Enditem

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