Otjinene protests deplorable roads

**Zebaldt Ngaruka **

OTJINENE – Alleged infrastructure neglect has reached a critical point in the Omaheke region’s Otjinene constituency, where badly deteriorated local roads have made daily travel a dangerous ordeal.

In a petition handed over last week to the constituency councillor, Eben-Ezer Kauapirura, the community said the D3809 road from Otjinoko to Okazapamba should be properly widened, graveled, and bladed in line with engineering standards.

Uatombonge Kamunguma, who read the petition on behalf of the community, said the residents used their own hands and resources to clear the road in the past and are now blaming the Road Authority (RA) and the government for failing to assist with proper construction.

“This road is mostly graded once a month, without filling the gravel at the start, which has made the situation worse. The road sand is deepening, the road has become dangerously narrow, and it is deteriorating daily,” he said.

Among other points, the demonstrators highlighted that most roads have become so narrow that two cars cannot pass each other at the same time.

“One vehicle must get out of the road path completely, or there is a risk of getting stuck in the deep sand,” he said, adding that the community faces nightmares during the rainy season.

Kamunguma said the poor roads negatively affect farmers’ livelihoods and socio-economic well-being, as they cannot transport their cattle, goats, and sheep to auctions and markets in Otjinene.

“Our livestock loses value, we cannot get farming inputs, feed and building materials in our area. Also, access to services is a big concern; learners cannot get to schools, teachers avoid being employed in our areas, clinics are unreachable, and police services cannot respond quickly,” noted Kamunguma, adding that the damage to the vehicles caused by the road and the cost of living have become unbearable.

“Adding salt to injury is the Namibian Police Force’s traffic division, which is imposing heavy fines for damaged cars. This is a very disturbing issue, and the authorities must intervene in this matter,” he said, adding that no matter how motorists repair their vehicles, it is only a matter of a few hours before the roads damage the cars again.

The affected communities are Ombujonjama, Okatjana, Ombujomungondo, Okambonde, Otjitaazu, Okarupuri, Otjinuuakune, Omungondo, Orunarongue, Otjikorondo, Epata, Okarui, Ozondjou, Okaoveni, Otjinoko, and Okanokona.

The community also urges upgrading the high-traffic, economically important roads from Otjinene to Otjitaazu and Okate to bitumen standard.

The community invited the Minister of Works and Transport, Veiko Nekundi; Omaheke Governor Pijoo Marikutuka Nganate; and Omaheke Regional Council Chairperson Rocco Nguvauva to visit Otjinene and drive along these roads with them.

“They can drive with us on D3809, 3808, Otjinene – Otjitaazu, and Otjinene – Okate so they can see and feel the problem themselves. A meeting in Windhoek will not show them our daily suffering,” said Kamunguma.

In response to the demonstrators, Omaheke Regional Council chairperson Rocco Nguvauva said the region’s roads are in poor condition and most need to be re-gravelled.

“I agree with demonstrators; the region is not doing well, and our roads need serious maintenance,” he said.

Nguvauva said the Road Authority requested a list of roads that need special attention through his office.

“All constituencies, including Otjinene, submitted the priority list, and we forwarded it to the Roads Authority. We are now waiting for the good news from them,” he said.

Hileni Fillemon, RA corporate communications manager, acknowledged concerns from road users, Regional Councils and communities about the pace of road construction. She said national road projects are implemented in phases, in a structured and fiscally responsible manner, with construction and maintenance shaped by available funding, competing national priorities and broader fiscal pressures.

“These realities require projects to be implemented in phases, aligned with national budget cycles and sustainable financing arrangements. Road infrastructure is capital intensive and requires substantial financial resources,” she said, adding that RA, Road Fund Administration (RFA) and government are actively engaged in discussions to strengthen and diversify funding arrangements for road construction and maintenance.

“These engagements are intended to ensure that Namibia’s road network is maintained and expanded in a carefully planned manner despite prevailing fiscal constraints,” she said.

Further stating, “We remain committed to delivering safe, reliable and efficient road infrastructure that supports economic growth, social development and national connectivity.”

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