Rural growth stalled by poor roads - report
Bad roads stifle economic activities
A parliamentary report on the poor state of rural road infrastructure has warned it disproportionately affects vulnerable groups such as the elderly and schoolchildren.
A parliamentary standing committee on transport, infrastructure, and housing has painted a bleak picture of the country's rural road infrastructure following its oversight visits across all 14 regions between 26 September 2022 and 31 August last year.
The committee's report highlighted deficiencies in the country’s road network, emphasising its adverse impact on rural communities’ access to essential services and economic opportunities.
The committee examined road conditions, network connectivity and access to government institutions such as schools and clinics in rural and selected urban areas. It concluded that rural roads are in poor condition, making it difficult for residents to reach essential services. This challenge disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, including the elderly, physically challenged individuals, expectant mothers and schoolchildren.
Vital links
In the Kunene Region, many gravel roads are frequently washed away by floods, rendering critical infrastructure such as bridges and culverts unusable. This leaves communities isolated, forcing some residents to risk crossing dangerous rivers, a risky act that has led to fatalities. The absence of reliable road infrastructure in these areas denies communities a vital link to public services.
The report also noted farmers struggle to transport fresh produce and livestock to markets, leading to significant losses. Perishable goods, such as vegetables and fish, often spoil before reaching their destinations. This situation not only affects livelihoods but also limits the economic potential of rural areas. Teachers and learners face similar challenges, as the lack of roads to many schools hinders education delivery.
The committee emphasised that rural road infrastructure is critical to poverty alleviation. It facilitates access to affordable, sustainable transport systems, enabling better connectivity to agricultural land, markets, schools and clinics.
Neglect a problem
However, many rural roads lack proper maintenance and rehabilitation plans. In regions such as Kavango East, Kavango West, and Zambezi, residents voiced frustration over the government’s neglect in constructing feeder and connecting roads.
In the Zambezi Region, the Imukusi community, situated 15 km from Katima Mulilo, relies on makeshift roads created by residents and lodge owners.
These sandy, uneven pathways are impassable during the rainy season, cutting off the community from essential services.
Residents reported that the lack of proper roads prevents them from accessing health facilities like the Katima Mulilo State Hospital and clinics during floods. Additionally, the absence of road links to Imukusi Combined School and other key sites has stifled economic activities such as fishing and transporting produce to markets.
Infrastructure challenges extend beyond connectivity. In Kongola, a tarmac road leading to the Kamenga border post has a culvert that channels water directly into a village, causing frequent flooding and erosion.
Between Nakabolewa and Kasika, outdated drainage structures like culverts and bridges require urgent rehabilitation to prevent further damage from rainwater.
Ripple effects
The committee observed that areas prone to heavy rains, rolling terrains and highly erodible soils are particularly vulnerable to road damage.
These conditions, coupled with a lack of effective drainage systems, exacerbate the deterioration of rural roads.
The report further highlighted the negative ripple effects of poor road infrastructure on rural life. It not only increases transport costs for residents but also undermines social cohesion, as people face difficulties attending community gatherings and other social events. The absence of reliable roads compromises the fourth pillar of the Harambee Prosperity Plan, which prioritises infrastructure development as a driver of economic growth, job creation, and global competitiveness.
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The committee's report highlighted deficiencies in the country’s road network, emphasising its adverse impact on rural communities’ access to essential services and economic opportunities.
The committee examined road conditions, network connectivity and access to government institutions such as schools and clinics in rural and selected urban areas. It concluded that rural roads are in poor condition, making it difficult for residents to reach essential services. This challenge disproportionately affects vulnerable groups, including the elderly, physically challenged individuals, expectant mothers and schoolchildren.
Vital links
In the Kunene Region, many gravel roads are frequently washed away by floods, rendering critical infrastructure such as bridges and culverts unusable. This leaves communities isolated, forcing some residents to risk crossing dangerous rivers, a risky act that has led to fatalities. The absence of reliable road infrastructure in these areas denies communities a vital link to public services.
The report also noted farmers struggle to transport fresh produce and livestock to markets, leading to significant losses. Perishable goods, such as vegetables and fish, often spoil before reaching their destinations. This situation not only affects livelihoods but also limits the economic potential of rural areas. Teachers and learners face similar challenges, as the lack of roads to many schools hinders education delivery.
The committee emphasised that rural road infrastructure is critical to poverty alleviation. It facilitates access to affordable, sustainable transport systems, enabling better connectivity to agricultural land, markets, schools and clinics.
Neglect a problem
However, many rural roads lack proper maintenance and rehabilitation plans. In regions such as Kavango East, Kavango West, and Zambezi, residents voiced frustration over the government’s neglect in constructing feeder and connecting roads.
In the Zambezi Region, the Imukusi community, situated 15 km from Katima Mulilo, relies on makeshift roads created by residents and lodge owners.
These sandy, uneven pathways are impassable during the rainy season, cutting off the community from essential services.
Residents reported that the lack of proper roads prevents them from accessing health facilities like the Katima Mulilo State Hospital and clinics during floods. Additionally, the absence of road links to Imukusi Combined School and other key sites has stifled economic activities such as fishing and transporting produce to markets.
Infrastructure challenges extend beyond connectivity. In Kongola, a tarmac road leading to the Kamenga border post has a culvert that channels water directly into a village, causing frequent flooding and erosion.
Between Nakabolewa and Kasika, outdated drainage structures like culverts and bridges require urgent rehabilitation to prevent further damage from rainwater.
Ripple effects
The committee observed that areas prone to heavy rains, rolling terrains and highly erodible soils are particularly vulnerable to road damage.
These conditions, coupled with a lack of effective drainage systems, exacerbate the deterioration of rural roads.
The report further highlighted the negative ripple effects of poor road infrastructure on rural life. It not only increases transport costs for residents but also undermines social cohesion, as people face difficulties attending community gatherings and other social events. The absence of reliable roads compromises the fourth pillar of the Harambee Prosperity Plan, which prioritises infrastructure development as a driver of economic growth, job creation, and global competitiveness.
[email protected]
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