Eveline de Klerk

WALVIS BAY – Taxi drivers operating in Walvis Bay took to the streets Monday to show their discontent over the deplorable roads in the harbour town.

The public transporters say they are raking in hundreds of traffic fines for unroadworthy vehicles because of damages caused to their vehicles by potholes.

The group then handed over a petition to the Walvis Bay mayor, pleading for the roads to be repaired and streets to be interlocked as soon as possible. Speaking on behalf of the public transporters, Onesmus Ndengu said they get fined for damages resulting from potholes. 

“This has become a concern to us because our cars are being damaged and on the verge of being declared untrustworthy [unroadworthy],” he said. According to him, roads in Kuisebmond, such as Nathaniel Maxuilili, Sardynt and Volstruis, are filled with potholes, making the roads unbearable to use. 

“They need to be rehabilitated as soon as possible, as they are damaging our cars and also pose an overall risk to the safety of our clients and road users in the town,” Ndengu appealed.

They suggested that bridges be built over the roads and that trucking companies be held financially liable for the damages trucks cause to the roads.

“They must contribute financially for the maintenance of our roads, and the municipality must consider interlocking
all the roads,” he appealed. Receiving the petition, Walvis Bay Trevino Frobes said council already started with the upgrading of the roads.

“The condition of our roads is a concern. I am sure that you have already noticed the changes. We have awarded a tender for the rehabilitation of our roads,” he said.

Forbes also indicated that they could already agree to interlock intersections in the town. He noted that a recent discussion with the Road Fund Administration was successful, and the council secured N$200 million toward the upgrading and maintenance of the town’s roads. 

- edeklerk@nepc.com.na