Harbour town roads receiving attention

Taxi drivers recently took to the streets in a peaceful demonstration and voiced their concerns about the impact of potholes on their vehicles in Walvis Bay.

According to the drivers, this leads to damages that result in fines and suspensions imposed by the road authority in the harbour town. Gustav Kandonga, a representative of the protesting taxi drivers, highlighted the difficulty they face.

“Our cars are no longer in good condition; that is why we are being fined.”

He emphasised the urgent need for municipal intervention to repair the roads.

“We call on the road authorities to reduce the fines being issued until the municipality fixes the roads.”

Joseph Tuab, a taxi driver, expressed his frustration over what he perceives as unfair treatment from municipal traffic authorities. “Compared to private vehicle owners, it is always taxi drivers who are being pulled over. There are private car owners driving recklessly and getting away with it. We are also human and demand fairness.”

Tuab highlighted the financial strain imposed on drivers.

“We must allocate scarce resources to repair our vehicles due to road damage. We have families that we have to feed, but because our municipality is failing to do its job, we have to waste money on unnecessary fine tickets.”

The mayor of Walvis Bay, Trevino Forbes, announced at an ordinary council meeting that road maintenance works in partnership with the Road Fund Administration (RFA) will officially commence from mid-2024 onwards.

“The roads that will undergo rehabilitation are primarily serving the Port of Walvis Bay. Hanah Mupentani Street, 3rd Street East, Railway Street, 5th Street East, 6th Street East, and Rikumbi Kandanga Road have been prioritised. The rehabilitation and construction of these roads will significantly improve the town’s transportation network, enhancing connectivity and promoting economic growth.”

Forbes said that the establishment of an in-house pothole repair team is a key initiative for the municipality of Walvis Bay.

“By creating a dedicated team to address the town’s road infrastructure issues, the council can ensure smoother and safer travel for all residents.”

He explained that the team was established two years ago but was not operational due to a lack of equipment and materials, which has now been resolved.

Forbes said that the council will continue with four external pothole contracts.

“These contractors will be assigned to the critical areas. Roads in Kuisebmond and Narraville that have been identified for urgent repair are Agaat Street, Khomas Hochland Street, Sixteen Avenue, Johannes Nampala Avenue, Nathaniel Maxuilili Avenue, and Dune Street.”