Hertta-Maria Amutenja
The Roads Authority (RA) awarded the contract to repair and improve the damaged gravel road between Okahao and Onemanya in the Omusati Region to Kambwa Trading.
This is after pressure from the residents and civil society.
Omusati governor Erginus Endjala confirmed the move to address the issue.
“The master plan shows when the road will be tarred, but the immediate concern is accessibility. Most roads in the region were damaged or washed away by the rains. Some roads are critical and under consideration for upgrading to bitumen standard, but the challenge is the budget,” Endjala told the Windhoek Observer.
He said a contract has already been awarded.
“The Roads Authority has appointed Kambwa Trading to work on the road and make it more accessible. We expect the situation to improve once work begins.”
The Ekwawo Community Foundation submitted a formal plea to the Okahao Constituency councillor last month, calling for urgent action to upgrade the road to a bitumen standard. In the
In a letter dated 10 April seen by the Windhoek Observer, the foundation’s development committee said flash floods had made the road nearly impassable, delaying access to services such as the Indira Gandhi Health Centre and nearby schools.
“The road has become increasingly dilapidated and often impassable, even with four-wheel-drive vehicles. This disruption has led to delays and inaccessibility to critical services and caused significant social distress among farmers who are struggling to access their farmland, particularly during the growing season,” said the community.
In the same letter, the Foundation asked for discussions to be initiated and community involvement when awarding tenders for the roads.
Although their focus is on the Okahao–Onemanya route.
The road is a key link for residents, schoolchildren, and emergency services, but has deteriorated to the point where vehicles struggle to pass and pedestrians risk slipping in the mud.
The foundation also highlighted other roads in the area needing urgent upgrades, including the Okahao–Uukwandongo–Etilyasa, Okahao–Eendombe–Outapi, and Okahao–Iikokola roads.
Last month, residents of Onemanya in the Omusati region called on authorities to urgently upgrade the Okahao-Amwaanda gravel road, especially the 15 km stretch between Okahao and the Indira Gandhi Clinic.
They say the road has become nearly impassable due to recent heavy rains, creating safety risks and making access to healthcare services difficult.
