The Monte Christo road to Ongos Valley, which is being upgraded to a dual carriageway, has been considered one of the main contributors to the suffering of losses due to flash floods in the Moses //Garoeb constituency. 

Constituency councillor Aili Venonya confirmed to New Era that some residents have suffered losses after their belongings were destroyed after heavy rain fell in the area since Sunday.

“The road has blocked the water channel – and now, the learners are facing problems if heavy rain occurs. They will not be able to cross to go to school,” she said.

The upgrade to the road was meant not only to provide improved access to Ongos Valley but, more importantly, to allow basic services to be brought to the surrounding communities.

Ongos spokesperson Abed Erastus explained the contractor assessed the site to resolve the matter.

“We are fully aware of the problem. The situation is receiving our utmost attention. It is very difficult now to solve the problem completely because of the way the structures are set up – and it is natural water,” he explained.

Erastus referred New Era to Metusalem Ashipala of the City of Windhoek roads and engineering department.

Ashipala explained the City of Windhoek would meet with Ongos developers to discuss the issue.

“We will have a meeting with them on Thursday morning. But forward me the detailed questions so that I can forward them to our project management office that communicates directly with Ongos at the city so that they will provide the answers,” he explained.

Sources close to the development told New Era the road is bad – and if the contractor does not act now, it could claim lives if more rain comes.

“I have seen the situation but I don’t think there is anything they can do now. They have dug so many holes and the sand has blocked the water channels. Now, there is water everywhere. It is sad. Of course, it was development but it was never surveyed properly,” claimed the source.

The chairperson of the Khomas Regional Council, John Moonde, also registered his concern, saying the matter needs urgent attention. 

He, however, could not reveal more details despite him visiting the site.

- ljason@nepc.com.na