Allexer Namundjembo
Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) Member of Parliament Nelson Kalangula has criticised the installation of speed humps along the B1 Western Bypass, calling the move reactive and short-sighted after vehicle collisions were reported on the new structures this past weekend.
Responding to questions from the Windhoek Observer on Monday, Kalangula said the chaos on the roads in recent days is a clear indicator that the current administration’s approach to road safety is flawed.
He acknowledged that the high number of pedestrian fatalities between the Independence Avenue interchange near Katutura Hospital and Lafrenz, as well as on the A1 near Prosperita, is “completely unacceptable.”
However, he argued that the Ministry of Works and Transport and the Roads Authority (RA) are treating a national highway like a suburban residential street.
“The B1 Western Bypass and the A1 are critical economic arteries. They are designed with high-speed, efficient transit of goods and people in mind. Dumping massive, poorly planned speed humps on a 120 km/h international transit corridor does not create driver alertness; it creates massive traffic bottlenecks, severe rear-end collision risks, and inflicts structural damage on the vehicles of our hard-working citizens,” Kalangula said.
He claimed it appears that works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi enforced the idea against engineers’ advice regarding the implications of speed humps on the highway.
“The minister and RA need to revisit this idea. The petition by the public is entirely correct, as we need long-term, structural solutions,” he added.
Kalangula said the only permanent solution is to physically separate high-speed vehicular traffic from pedestrians through bridges at critical crossing hotspots, especially near Katutura Hospital and industrial hubs such as Lafrenz and Prosperita.
“Roads built before independence were designed with that in mind. Why are we thinking backwards? You find one pedestrian bridge in Academia and one near Eros Girls School.”
If temporary speed reduction is required while bridges are built, he suggested high-visibility warning signage and rumble strips instead of what he called “concrete mountain ranges that break suspensions and cause abrupt braking.”
“It is very important to listen to the engineers and the public, and stop engineering hazards under the guise of safety. Infrastructure development that protects the pedestrian without punishing the motorist is what we should focus on,” Kalangula said.
The Roads Authority (RA) has announced the installation of speed humps at selected locations along the B1 Western Bypass in Windhoek, a move that will temporarily disrupt traffic between the Independence Avenue interchange (Katutura Hospital area) and the Lafrenz interchange.
The RA explained that construction began on Friday, 5 June 2026. The authority added that one lane will be closed at a time during the construction phase, with traffic diverted to the remaining open lane.
“The intervention, which was initiated by Honourable Veikko Nekundi, Minister of Works and Transport, follows an increase in pedestrian-related crashes along these sections, some of which have resulted in fatalities. The speed humps form part of an immediate road safety measure to reduce vehicle speeds, improve driver alertness and enhance pedestrian safety in these high-risk areas,” the authority explained.
The RA urged road users to exercise caution when approaching the affected areas and to comply with all traffic signs and instructions from officials.
“Appropriate traffic management measures, including warning signage and traffic accommodation arrangements, will remain in place throughout the installation period to safeguard both road users and on-site personnel. The RA urges motorists to approach the affected areas with caution, obey all traffic signs and instructions from traffic officials, and reduce speed accordingly,” the authority added.
However, a petition was launched on Monday calling on the RA and Nekundi to revisit the decision.
The petition, started by Charlo Rittmann, states that the public freeway is not constructed for pedestrian crossings but is meant to facilitate the fast and efficient movement of vehicles.
The petition states that the introduction of speed humps, while intended to enhance safety, has inadvertently caused increased congestion, longer travel times and unnecessary frustration for daily commuters.
“It is crucial to address the safety of pedestrians, but installing pedestrian bridges is a more effective and efficient solution than speed humps. Pedestrian bridges offer a safe, dedicated crossing for foot traffic, allowing pedestrians to cross without hindering vehicle flow,” it reads.
“This approach ensures the freeway remains an effective route for vehicular travel while respecting the safety and convenience of pedestrians,” the petition reads.
It further recommends that pedestrian bridges are a long-term investment in infrastructure, providing a sustainable solution that reduces accident risks while maintaining the freeway’s original purpose.
“By allocating resources to build these bridges, we can reduce congestion, lower fuel emissions from idling cars, and enhance the overall flow of traffic. I urge our local government and transportation authorities to reconsider their strategy and prioritise the construction of pedestrian bridges. This change will not only improve the commuter experience but will also ensure the safety of all road users,” it states.
