Governor vows to fix unsafe Rundu-Calai bridge after decade of neglect
Kavango East governor Hamunyera Hambyuka has voiced serious concern over the condition of the Rundu-Calai bridge and the dangers it poses to the community.
During a visit to the bridge last week, he described the structure as “temporary” since 2014, yet showing no signs of maintenance.
“Nothing is being done. If a car [drives over it], the whole thing could collapse. People are dying. Life has been lost.”
The governor stressed the urgent need for a clean-up and maintenance campaign, warning that blocked water flow, stagnant waste and potential health hazards threaten the community.
Hambyuka said a team would be mobilised early next year to clean the area, while ongoing maintenance would remain the responsibility of a designated committee.
He also called for a permanent bridge to replace the current floating structure.
Much-needed oversight visit
Tourism operators welcomed the governor’s visit. Tambuti Lodge manager Elizabeth Hilger said she was “very happy” that the governor had seen the situation first-hand.
She highlighted the negative impact on tourism, citing an incident in which a tourist reportedly spotted a dead body in the river. Hilger also warned of health risks from mosquito breeding and waterborne diseases caused by pollution around the bridge.
“This bridge was supposed to be temporary, but it has lasted nearly 10 years," she said.
"The current state goes against environmental policies and public safety,” she said.
Hilger noted that the community and tourism sector are hopeful for urgent government intervention and clean-up initiatives beginning in January.
The floating bridge, built in 2014 with approval from the Angolan government, has long frustrated locals, tourism operators, and river users.
Originally intended as a temporary crossing, the structure has hindered boat traffic, worsened river pollution, and raised ecological concerns.
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During a visit to the bridge last week, he described the structure as “temporary” since 2014, yet showing no signs of maintenance.
“Nothing is being done. If a car [drives over it], the whole thing could collapse. People are dying. Life has been lost.”
The governor stressed the urgent need for a clean-up and maintenance campaign, warning that blocked water flow, stagnant waste and potential health hazards threaten the community.
Hambyuka said a team would be mobilised early next year to clean the area, while ongoing maintenance would remain the responsibility of a designated committee.
He also called for a permanent bridge to replace the current floating structure.
Much-needed oversight visit
Tourism operators welcomed the governor’s visit. Tambuti Lodge manager Elizabeth Hilger said she was “very happy” that the governor had seen the situation first-hand.
She highlighted the negative impact on tourism, citing an incident in which a tourist reportedly spotted a dead body in the river. Hilger also warned of health risks from mosquito breeding and waterborne diseases caused by pollution around the bridge.
“This bridge was supposed to be temporary, but it has lasted nearly 10 years," she said.
"The current state goes against environmental policies and public safety,” she said.
Hilger noted that the community and tourism sector are hopeful for urgent government intervention and clean-up initiatives beginning in January.
The floating bridge, built in 2014 with approval from the Angolan government, has long frustrated locals, tourism operators, and river users.
Originally intended as a temporary crossing, the structure has hindered boat traffic, worsened river pollution, and raised ecological concerns.
[email protected]
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