WALVIS BAY – The Road Fund Administration (RFA) has increased its funding allocation for Walvis Bay’s road rehabilitation from N$250 million to about N$400 million.
The town has been battling poor road conditions, which were further exacerbated by the heavy rains earlier this year.
The funds, to be rolled out over a five-year period, will not be administered by the Walvis Bay Municipality directly but are earmarked for the rehabilitation of strategic urban roads that support trade and port-related operations.
According to municipal spokesperson Anita Kaihiva, these roads are vital to the town’s economy and the country’s logistics chain.
“We understand the frustration from residents and business owners, and we are working around the clock to ensure progress continues steadily,” she said during an update on the progress of the roads.
The municipality has faced growing criticism from residents over the poor state of roads in the town, worsened by heavy rains earlier this year.
“These upgrades will significantly improve traffic flow, road safety, and access to industrial and commercial zones in the town,” Kaihiva added.
Currently, construction is underway on five critical streets: Allan Dean Martin, 2nd Street, 3rd Street, 3rd Street East, and Railway Street — all of which are key economic routes linking Namibia to landlocked countries such as Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe through the port of Walvis Bay.
Progress has already been recorded on Allan Dean Martin Street, where 200 metres of the base layer and 560 metres of the sub-base layer have been completed. Construction is being carried out using a half-width method to keep one lane open and minimize traffic flow disruptions.
The Walvis Bay traffic department has approved a traffic accommodation plan, with flag-waving personnel and signage in place to ensure road user safety.
Meanwhile, 3rd Street is undergoing an essential sewer line replacement to improve underground service infrastructure.
Kaihiva also said consultations were held with businesses in the area, and pre-structural assessments were conducted on buildings near the sites to document their condition and guard against possible damage claims during construction.
Maintenance plan
RFA CEO Ali Ipinge earlier noted that Namibia needs about N$5 billion to rehabilitate its roads.
He said poor state of roads, especially in towns such as Walvis Bay, is exacerbated by the lack of a maintenance plan with potholes and deteriorating roads situation blamed on a lack of proper planning and effective maintenance over the years.
“The maintenance of roads is a challenge not only in Walvis Bay, but countrywide. Hence, going forward, we are committing to ensuring there is an effective maintenance strategy for urban roads and streets countrywide,” he said. –edeklerk@nepc.com.na