The Roads Authority (RA) has cautioned motorists that good rains are still being received in all areas of the country; thus, efforts to restore vital transport links might be delayed. The Authority has, however, committed to continued inspection and assessment of road conditions and will erect warning signs at damaged sections accordingly.
“Where possible, we will ensure that emergency repair works are done to allow access to the public,” read an RA statement.
As of Friday, the road conditions in southern Namibia were as follows:
Kharas region:
Main road (MR) 27 or tourist Route C16: From Keetmanshoop to Aroab
The Stampriet and Guruchab Rivers flooded this road and caused extensive damage to sections near the river bridges; hence, the road has been closed temporarily to all traffic.
Main road (MR) 26 or Warmfontein road: From Keetmanshoop to Aroab
The MR 26 is being used as an alternative route from Keetmanshoop to Aroab. However, this road was damaged recently between 35km and 53km. The road is still accessible and open to traffic. Road users must please exercise extra caution, drive slowly and observe the erected warning signs.
Main road 29 (MR 29): gravel road from Keetmanshoop to Mariental via Vaalgras
MR 29 is now accessible and open to traffic; however, road users are requested to drive slowly and cautiously, as it is still raining in the area.
Meanwhile, road users from Koës to Keetmanshoop should take MR 24 east of Koës and proceed to MR 29 to Keetmanshoop as an alternative route.
District roads 609 & D 531: From Keetmanshoop to Berseba
The Fish River crosses both roads. Currently, it is not safe to access both roads, as they are closed temporarily to all traffic.
District road DR707: From MR 35 to Betta along Namib Desert
This road has been damaged extensively from 85km 123km. However, the road is still accessible and open to traffic. Road users are requested to exercise extreme caution while driving on this road. Only 4×4 vehicles are advised to use this road at this point.
Main road MR 33/C 15 & MR 41: From Stampriet to Hoachanas
The Aoub River crosses both roads – and currently, it is not safe to access both roads. The roads are closed temporarily to all traffic. Also, road users between Stampriet and Hoachanas are advised to drive via Kalkrand MR 45, TR 1/4 and TR 5/1.
Khomas region
(Windhoek district):
Main road (M) 52 (C28) (from end of tar to D1406) – 44km (Khomas/Hochland area)
This road has been damaged by the good rains in the area; thus, it is only accessible with 4×4 vehicles.
Otjozondjupa region (Okahandja district):
District road (D) 2108 (from D2110 to D2414) – 25.9km
The road is temporarily closed as a result of water covering large areas of the road, making the road impassable. Road users are requested to make use of alternative routes.
District road (D) 2121 (from D2110 to D2414) – 20.9km
This road has been damaged by the good rains in the area and is extremely slippery; thus, it is only accessible with 4×4 vehicles.
District road (D) 2187 (from T1/7 – B1 to D2414) – 38.6km
This road has been damaged by the good rains in the area; thus, it is only accessible with 4×4 vehicles.
Hardap region
(Maltahöhe district):
District road (D) 831 (from D824 to D826) – 16km (Namib area)
The road is temporarily closed as a result of water covering large areas of the road, making the road impassable. Road users are requested to make use of alternative routes.
Omaheke region
(Gobabis district)
District road (D) 3815 (from D3816 to D1004) – 20km (Aminius area)