Kavango, Zambezi rural residents blast govt over poor roads

Rural communities of the Kavango East, Kavango West and Zambezi regions have expressed frustration over the lack of feeder and connecting roads, accusing government of neglecting their needs at a steep cost.The communities&#039; dissatisfaction is highlighted in a report by the standing committee on transport, infrastructure and housing, following oversight visits to road infrastructure in these regions between 26 September 2022 and 31 August last year.During their investigation into road infrastructure, the committee, accompanied by Rundu mayor Gabriel Kanyanga, witnessed these challenges first-hand, with one of their vehicles getting stuck in the sandy terrain of the Ndama settlement.Isolated due to poor road infrastructureIn the Zambezi Region, the Imukusi community, located 15 km from Katima Mulilo, lack any constructed roads linking it to the main road.The community relies on makeshift roads, privately developed by residents and local lodge owners along the Namwi Island and Zambezi River. These roads are sandy, uneven and impassable in the rainy season, making it difficult for vulnerable residents to access essential services.Residents expressed disappointment at the lack of an access road connecting Imukusi Combined School and other community sites to the main road, lamenting that the absence of proper roads has hindered economic activities like fishing and transporting produce to markets.The community shared their plight with the committee, adding that they are entirely cut off during floods, leaving them feeling isolated and questioning whether they are part of the Namibian nation.During flood seasons, access to health facilities, such as Katima Mulilo State Hospital, and nearby clinics becomes nearly impossible, further straining the community, they testified.Governor calls for urgent upgradesKavango West governor Sirkka Ausiku addressed the committee about the poor condition of roads in the region and urged faster progress on the Charlie Cutline Road, which would improve connectivity for communities.The regional leadership stressed the need for road development, particularly feeder roads that connect main roads to remote areas."Most access roads are earth tracks, often sandy, and only accessible with four-wheel-drive vehicles. Therefore, upgrading these tracks to gravel and eventually to bitumen is urgently needed. The committee learned that no new road projects have been implemented recently," the report read.The report highlighted that the last gravel road project, the 38 km Kamupupu Road, was completed in 2008, while the last bitumen road, Mpungu-Tsintsabis-Tsumeb, was built in 2013. Construction on the Charlie Cutline Road began with a 40 km stretch in June 2022. A priority list for road projects was submitted to the works and transport ministry and the Roads Authority in 2018.In the rural community of Mankumpi, residents rely on Rundu for essential services, and the lack of proper road infrastructure has severely impacted their access to schools and health centres. While grateful for the ongoing work on the Charlie Cutline Road, residents expressed frustration that most roads are sandy and passable only with 4x4 vehicles.Lagging behindKavango East regional council chairperson Damian Maghambayi, on behalf of governor Bonifatius Wakudumo, highlighted that the region lacks adequate road infrastructure aside from the Trans Caprivi Highway, which primarily serves as a corridor linking the coast and neighbouring countries, not for internal connectivity.Maghambayi voiced concerns over inadequate rural road infrastructure, noting that farmers struggle to transport their goods."A comparative study showed that Kavango East lags behind other regions in road infrastructure. Therefore, resources are needed to enhance economic growth through road connectivity," he said.The Rundu Town Council informed the committee that informal settlements such as Kaisosi, Kehemu, Ndama and Sauyemwa lack proper roads, with most routes being sand-filled and unsuitable for gravel upgrades due to funding shortages.Urgent funding neededThe council has identified critical roads requiring attention at an estimated cost of N$87 million, but it relies on limited internally generated revenue.The town council argued that, rather than conducting further assessments, it needs immediate funding to construct roads, which would improve accessibility, attract investment and create jobs. Due to limited budget allocations from the Road Fund Administration, which are solely for maintenance, the council recommended that road user tariffs be redirected to local authorities responsible for road construction within towns.nikanor@erongo.com.na

Kavango, Zambezi rural residents blast govt over poor roads

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-22

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Kavango, Zambezi rural residents blast govt over poor roads

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-22

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