KEETMANSHOOP – Scores of residents in the //Kharas region have been left stranded and unable to access essential services such as banking, healthcare and shopping, following heavy rains that rendered key roads impassable.

Keetmanshoop Rural constituency councillor Gerrit Witbooi said communities linked by the Aroab–Karasburg (M25), Koës–Aroab (DC11) and Aroab–Keetmanshoop (M27) roads are the hardest hit. “Many residents in my constituency are now stranded and cannot access services in Keetmanshoop,” he said in an exclusive interview with New Era.

Witbooi warned that the gravel roads will continue to be washed away during heavy rains unless authorities prioritise tarring them.

He added that most residents cannot afford to use alternative routes, as this would significantly increase transport costs.

The councillor also raised concern about the number of accidents occurring on these roads under hazardous conditions, urging motorists and passengers to exercise caution.

Heavy rains have continued to affect the //Kharas region, particularly around Keetmanshoop, leaving several roads impassable.

In an urgent public notice, the Roads Authority (RA) announced temporary closures of affected routes, including District Road 205 (DR205) from DR269 to DR204, District Road 269 (DR269) north of Ariamsvlei, and Main Road 25 (MR25) between Karasburg and Aroab from the 80 to 117 kilometre mark.  Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes via Trunk Road 0301 (T0301) from Ariamsvlei or Karasburg to Grünau and then proceed along Main Road 26 (MR26). The RA said it is monitoring the situation and will undertake repairs as conditions improve.

“The public is advised to avoid flooded roads, adhere to road closure signage, and stay informed through official RA communication channels,” the authority said.

Members of the public are also encouraged to report road damage via telephone, email, social media or at the nearest RA maintenance office.