Rundu launches new two-way Markus Siwarongo Road
The Rundu Town Council has announced the change of the one-way Markus Siwarongo Road into a two-way road, with the launch scheduled to take place on Friday.
Council, after facing criticism from the Road Fund Administration (RFA) in 2022 for its failure to utilise allocated funds for road improvements, took a decisive step towards addressing the long-standing issue of deteriorating roads.
Town council CEO Olavi Nathanael said council last year approved the change of Markus Siwarongo Road from a one-way to a two-way road.
“This intervention aims to address the issue of traffic congestion and enhance convenient movement to business premises in the surrounding area,” he said.
Nathanael added that the installation of new road markings, road signs and traffic lights are currently underway and in the final stages; hence, the road remains one-way until it is officially opened as a two-way later this week.
A total of N$2.5 million was budgeted for this project.
Large-scale upgrades
Benjamin Makayi, spokesperson for the town council, informed Namibian Sun in February about the commencement of a N$16 million road maintenance project on three major roads, namely Haingura Mise (N$8.2 million), Elizabeth Nepemba and Maria Mwengere (N$6.2 million).
Makayi said most of the roads were damaged by rain.
The funds to rehabilitate Elizabeth Nepemba and Maria Mwengere streets were acquired through RFA, while the N$8.2 million for Haingura Mise was sourced by the town council.
“After the rehabilitation of these roads, there will be a surplus that will be used to try and fix largely damaged roads – by clearing out old tarred roads and tarring new ones," he added.
"We also projected about 10 roads to be upgraded from sandy to gravel roads in all our informal settlements. However, this will only be done once more funds are made available. But it is in the council’s plans to upgrade some roads in the informal settlements, and we believe this will assist even in cases where the ambulances have to drive inland."
Waiting for funds
Makayi admitted that more upgrades are needed.
"The council is also looking into repairing all damaged roads, however, due to the limitation of funds, the council is only able to do so much at once,” he said.
“The residents of the town have also long voiced their dissatisfaction with the condition of the roads, citing safety hazards and damage to vehicles as major concerns. The N$16 million allocated to this project is expected to cover a range of improvements, including road resurfacing, pothole repairs and general infrastructure upgrades," Makayi added.
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Council, after facing criticism from the Road Fund Administration (RFA) in 2022 for its failure to utilise allocated funds for road improvements, took a decisive step towards addressing the long-standing issue of deteriorating roads.
Town council CEO Olavi Nathanael said council last year approved the change of Markus Siwarongo Road from a one-way to a two-way road.
“This intervention aims to address the issue of traffic congestion and enhance convenient movement to business premises in the surrounding area,” he said.
Nathanael added that the installation of new road markings, road signs and traffic lights are currently underway and in the final stages; hence, the road remains one-way until it is officially opened as a two-way later this week.
A total of N$2.5 million was budgeted for this project.
Large-scale upgrades
Benjamin Makayi, spokesperson for the town council, informed Namibian Sun in February about the commencement of a N$16 million road maintenance project on three major roads, namely Haingura Mise (N$8.2 million), Elizabeth Nepemba and Maria Mwengere (N$6.2 million).
Makayi said most of the roads were damaged by rain.
The funds to rehabilitate Elizabeth Nepemba and Maria Mwengere streets were acquired through RFA, while the N$8.2 million for Haingura Mise was sourced by the town council.
“After the rehabilitation of these roads, there will be a surplus that will be used to try and fix largely damaged roads – by clearing out old tarred roads and tarring new ones," he added.
"We also projected about 10 roads to be upgraded from sandy to gravel roads in all our informal settlements. However, this will only be done once more funds are made available. But it is in the council’s plans to upgrade some roads in the informal settlements, and we believe this will assist even in cases where the ambulances have to drive inland."
Waiting for funds
Makayi admitted that more upgrades are needed.
"The council is also looking into repairing all damaged roads, however, due to the limitation of funds, the council is only able to do so much at once,” he said.
“The residents of the town have also long voiced their dissatisfaction with the condition of the roads, citing safety hazards and damage to vehicles as major concerns. The N$16 million allocated to this project is expected to cover a range of improvements, including road resurfacing, pothole repairs and general infrastructure upgrades," Makayi added.
[email protected]
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