Hertta-Maria Amutenja
Residents of Onemanya in the Omusati region are calling 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.
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.
Maria Alweendo, a resident of Onemanya, told the Windhoek Observer that daily life has become a challenge.
“When it rains, this road turns into a muddy mess. Vehicles get stuck, and even walking is dangerous because it is so slippery. It is not safe, but we have no choice but to use it,” she said.
She urged the Omusati Regional Council and the Ministry of Works and Transport to prioritise upgrading the road.
They say further delays could have serious consequences, especially in medical emergencies.
“We are tired of waiting. This road has been in bad condition for years, and every rainy season it gets worse. The government must step in before someone loses their life because they couldn’t get to the hospital in time,” Alweendo said.
Thomas Uushona, another resident, said the poor road conditions are affecting schoolchildren, workers, and local businesses.
“People are late for work, and children struggle to get to school. The cars and taxis here refuse to use the road because it damages their cars, and this leaves us with very few transport options,” he said.
Gwamgda Na Hertha took to Facebook to express concern.
“Due to recent heavy rainfall, the road has been washed away, making it nearly impassable for residents, emergency services, and daily commuters. This situation has created serious safety hazards and disrupted access to essential healthcare services at Indira Gandhi Clinic,” he wrote.
Residents say they have raised the issue several times but have seen no action.
The clinic has seen a decline in patient visits as the road conditions worsen.
Earlier this month, Omusati regional governor Erginus Endjala confirmed that several key roads had been damaged, making travel difficult.
Councillor Leonard Shikulo of the Okahao constituency previously claimed that he had not received any formal complaints about damaged roads in his area.
The condition of the road has also raised concerns about access to healthcare, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, pregnant women, and those in need of emergency medical attention.
The Indira Gandhi Clinic, which serves the local population, has seen a decline in patient visits due to the difficulty in reaching the facility.
A healthcare worker, who asked not to be named, confirmed that some patients are unable to reach the facility.
“We have had cases where pregnant women and elderly patients struggle to get here. Some turn back home because taxis refuse to take them, and others arrive exhausted after walking long distances,” the health worker said.
By the time of publication, the Omusati Health Director had not responded to questions about the impact on healthcare access.
