Protesters threaten highway shutdown after Nekundi no-show

Tensions flared on Windhoek's Western Bypass on Saturday after works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi failed to appear for a planned petition handover, prompting protesters to threaten further action, including a possible highway shutdown.

The demonstration, organised by activists and motorists opposed to recently installed speed humps on the B1 highway, drew dozens of participants who voiced frustration over the controversial traffic-calming measures.

Protest organiser Michael Amushelelo said demonstrators wanted authorities to remove what they regard as dangerous and illegal structures from the high-traffic arterial route.

"We are here to demonstrate against the illegal installation of speed humps," he said. "These humps are not supposed to be on any freeway or highway."

He said the petition, which was signed by 16 000 concerned residents, was due to be handed directly to Nekundi.

"We notified him on Monday. We expected the minister to come and receive the petition," he said. "But he did not show up." According to organisers, the minister's absence meant the petition could not be delivered.

The ministry had not responded to questions sent by Namibian Sun regarding Nekundi's absence by the time of publication.

Crash linked to humps

Amushelelo further argued that the speed humps pose both safety and financial risks to motorists. "We are not joking around. These are people's lives that are being put in danger," he said. "Any given day, this road is a trap for road users."

He also questioned why alternative pedestrian safety measures had not been prioritised. "We motorists pay for road usage. Why is it so complex to build a bridge overhead so pedestrians can cross safely?"

Earlier on Saturday, an accident was reported near the Windhoek Country Club on the Western Bypass. Amushelelo linked the crash to the speed humps. "There was another accident this morning. That accident could have been fatal," he said. "What caused it? These speed humps."

Bartho Harmse said the protesters wanted to “voice our opposition and concern to the speed humps being installed and remaining on the bypass."

He accused Nekundu of doubling down following widespread public outcry by installing more speed humps, adding that the issue has highlighted a major concern of little accountability among senior government officials.

He said his message to government is that “maybe instead of spending tens of millions of Namibia dollars on palaces for the presidents, they should use it to build some pedestrian paths for the people.”

Disappointed in minister

The protest was initially expected to continue until 18:00, but police conditions required demonstrators to end the gathering by 11:00.

An urgent court order obtained late on Friday had allowed the demonstration to continue until 13:00.

A protest organiser, who requested anonymity, warned that motorists could escalate their actions following the minister’s no-show.

"We are very disappointed with the minister's non-attendance," she said. "We had planned options: either we go under police escort to his office to deliver the petition or we block the road in an act of civil disobedience."

She warned: "We are planning a complete shutdown soon."

Supporters of the speed humps, however, maintain that the installations are necessary to protect pedestrians and curb speeding along the route. "Removing speed humps will not automatically eliminate accidents," one motorist said. "The solution lies in changing driving behaviour and obeying road rules."