Rundu injects N$119m into road upgrades

The Rundu Town Council is investing nearly N$119 million in road infrastructure projects aimed at transforming some of the town's most neglected neighbourhoods.

The projects are set to improve access to informal settlements and address severe stormwater erosion that has damaged roads, threatened properties and undermined critical infrastructure along the Kavango River.

The investment comprises N$101.65 million for the upgrading of 7.2 kilometres of roads to low-volume bitumen standard in Tutungeni and Queens Park residential areas and N$17.34 million to upgrade 17 kilometres of sandy roads to gravel standard in Kasote, Sauyemwa, Kehemu, Kaisosi and Ndama.

Rundu mayor Andreas Jikerwa said the projects are designed to improve mobility across the town while protecting critical infrastructure from the effects of uncontrolled stormwater runoff.

"The road projects will improve connectivity across Rundu, making it easier and safer for residents, businesses and public transport to move around the town. Better roads will reduce travel times, support local economic growth, improve access to schools, clinics and businesses, and enable more efficient delivery of municipal and emergency services," he said.

The bitumen road project was initiated primarily to address severe erosion caused by stormwater flowing at high speed from higher-lying areas towards the river.

"Due to the town's proximity to the river, stormwater flows from higher-lying areas to low-lying areas at high speed. This causes downstream erosion because of the soft nature of the soil. Large gullies have formed over the years as a result of uncontrolled stormwater flow," Jikerwa said.

Tutungeni and Queens Park were prioritised because they have been hardest hit by soil erosion, with roads, underground services and private properties either already damaged or at risk of further destruction.

"Some properties, roads and underground services along the riverbanks have been damaged or are at risk of damage," the mayor said, adding that a stormwater master plan completed by an independent consultant in 2024 identified the two suburbs as the council's highest priority for stormwater interventions because of the threat posed to public infrastructure.

Construction on the project began on 19 March this year and is expected to be completed by 27 April 2027.

"The contractor is performing very well, and the project is currently 1.4 months ahead of schedule," Jikerwa said.

Better access

The second project focuses on improving accessibility by upgrading sandy four-wheel-drive tracks to gravel roads in Kasote, Sauyemwa, Kehemu, Kaisosi and Ndama as part of government's drive to improve infrastructure in informal settlements.

The project is scheduled for completion on 1 August, although it has experienced delays caused by late payments from central government, shortages of gravel following the depletion of the Kaisosi borrow pit, and encroachment onto road reserves.

Jikerwa added that the council plans to continue constructing roads in informal settlements and newly developed residential areas, subject to available funding, planning priorities and continued government support.

"To ensure value for taxpayers' money, the municipality, through appointed consultants, closely monitors contractors' performance, project quality, costs and timelines to ensure the works are delivered efficiently and to the required standards," the mayor said.