The Roads Authority (RA) has spent approximately N$200 million to repair national roads severely damaged by heavy rains and flooding, with an estimated N$467.1 million required to fully restore all affected infrastructure across the country.
RA Chief Executive Officer Conrad Lutombi made the remarks during a site visit to the newly completed Dr. Hage G. Geingob Interchange, emphasising the urgency of the works to protect road safety and ensure mobility.
“We have committed more than N$200 million to repair the roads that were severely damaged by floods and rainfall across the country, and these interventions are essential to maintain safety and ensure uninterrupted mobility on our national road network,” said Lutombi.
He confirmed that the funds spent so far are part of an emergency response plan aimed at addressing widespread deterioration in road conditions. “These interventions were critical to maintaining the integrity of the national road network and ensuring the safety of all users,” he said.
The Authority has already allocated N$230 million in the current financial year for road repairs in the northern regions of Oshana, Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Omusati and Kunene.
Lutombi said the total cost of restoring damaged roads countrywide is projected at N$467.1 million, drawn from the RA’s overall budget of N$2.4 billion for the 2024/25 financial year.
He noted that while the current interventions are urgent, they must be balanced against other planned infrastructure projects and ongoing maintenance already budgeted for.
Meanwhile, the Road Fund Administration (RFA) is also facing pressure from local authorities seeking support.
RFA CEO Ali Ipinge revealed that 20 out of 57 local authorities had submitted requests totalling around N$500 million to repair damaged local roads.
“They were requesting a huge amount of money. Unfortunately, we had no excess funds available, so there was quite a shortfall,” said Ipinge earlier this year.
Despite having allocated N$600 million for local road maintenance and construction during the current financial year, the RFA acknowledged it lacks the resources to respond to emergency demands. Ipinge added that the administration is preparing a formal submission to the government for additional funds and noted that consultations are under way.
The funding shortfall comes as the RA celebrated the completion of the N$3 billion Dr. Hage G. Geingob Interchange near Hosea Kutako International Airport.
Lutombi described the project as a “milestone investment” in the country’s transport network, aimed at easing congestion and improving access along one of Windhoek’s busiest corridors.
