OMUTHIYA – Heavy downpours have inconvenienced many motorists in Oshikoto region in as much as it has brought some relief to subsistence farmers who were hard hit by the dry spell. 

The rain has damaged roads, while some stretches of gravel are completely cut off from the road network. 
“We have been appealing to government to fix the road for years because the gravel surface has long been washed away,” said local motorist and teacher Salomo Ndeshimona, who said it takes him about three hours to drive between Onyati and Okankolo due to the poor condition of the road. 
“In the rainy season, it has become extremely worse, whereby one drives about 20km/h on a road that is about 40km long.” 

Councillor for Okankolo Hans Nambodi said there are plans in place to upgrade the road to bitumen standard or for it to be re-gravelled. The roads affected stretch from Onayati-Onkumbula and Onyuulaye-Okankolo. In addition to that is the Omuntele road from Engoyi junction. 

“For now, Roads Authority has been trying to rehabilitate from time-to-time, while sourcing for funds and we are hoping this year – once the budget is out, these roads will receive an allocation,” stressed Nambodi, while in the same vein urging motorists to be cautious and avoid over speeding on the road, as it is in a sorry state. 
- osimasiku@nepc.com.na