N$226m bill looms to fix rain-ravaged Windhoek roads

The City of Windhoek is facing an overwhelming infrastructure crisis, with an estimated N$226 million needed to rehabilitate roads severely damaged by incessant recent rains.This figure forms part of a broader restoration bill that may exceed N$324 million, according to the City, highlighting the extensive toll the persistent downpours have taken on the capital&#039;s transport network.City spokesperson Lydia Amutenya confirmed this week that emergency repairs are currently underway, but full-scale road resurfacing and drainage upgrades will only commence once the rainy season ends and ground conditions allow for stable construction.Temporary fixes using soilcrete, a cement and soil mixture, are being applied in high-traffic areas to reduce immediate hazards, she added.“The estimated cost of rehabilitating severely damaged roads alone stands at about N$226 million. This is based on preliminary assessments and may still increase as our teams complete detailed evaluations across all affected areas,” Amutenya told Namibian Sun.The repair bill is part of a larger projected cost to restore damaged infrastructure throughout the city. The pothole repair programme is expected to cost around N$15.2 million, while gravel road damage is estimated at N$38 million.The City also anticipates spending approximately N$1.3 million to address flooded spatial areas and more than N$637 000 to repair damaged bridges and culverts. These early figures, which include VAT, were calculated as part of an ongoing technical assessment.Unavoidable delaysWeeks of unrelenting downpours have inflicted severe damage to road surfaces across Windhoek. As previously reported, flash flooding in informal settlements, road washouts and the rapid deterioration of tarred and gravel surfaces have made driving conditions increasingly hazardous.In areas such as Havana, Okuryangava and parts of the CBD, residents have been forced to navigate crater-like potholes and flooded intersections.Amutenya noted that the sustained rainfall has made permanent repairs impossible for now, as saturated road foundations prevent asphalt and surfacing materials from bonding properly.Attempting large-scale repairs under such conditions, she added, could lead to further structural damage.She further noted that the scale of the damage has exceeded what the City had budgeted for in the current 2024/25 financial year, prompting officials to explore external funding and partnerships to accelerate the rehabilitation programme.Self-help discouraged In the face of mounting public frustration, the City has issued a stern warning to residents not to attempt pothole repairs themselves. Amutenya said such well-intentioned efforts can create serious safety risks and legal complications, especially if improper materials or unsafe methods are used.Residents are instead encouraged to report road issues through the City’s customer care centre at 061 290 3777 or via official municipal platforms. Despite the challenges, Amutenya assured the public that repair efforts are underway and will intensify once the rains subside.“We appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation. Our goal is to restore safe, accessible roads throughout Windhoek and to ensure the long-term resilience of the city’s infrastructure,” she said.

N$226m bill looms to fix rain-ravaged Windhoek roads

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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N$226m bill looms to fix rain-ravaged Windhoek roads

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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