Allexer Namundjembo
Taxi drivers in Windhoek say pothole-riddled streets are wearing down their tyres, and they are calling on the City of Windhoek’s traffic law enforcement division to stop issuing fines for tyre conditions they believe are caused by poor infrastructure.
Heavy rains have damaged many roads across the city, making driving conditions difficult and expensive for public transport operators.
Frans Natangwe, a taxi driver, said he has replaced his tyres five times since the rainy season began.
“To be honest, we want the roads fixed, but we understand that it’s difficult to repair them right now due to the rain. However, they should find alternatives, such as filling the potholes with sand,” he said.
Natangwe added that he no longer services certain areas because of the damage it causes to his vehicle.
“I’ve stopped taking passengers to Greenwell or other areas in that direction. If you go there, your car will be damaged. Not just the tyres, but the shocks and other parts too,” he added.
Francois Garoeb, a taxi owner, said the condition of the roads has reduced his taxi’s income.
“Before the rainy season, when the roads were in good condition, my driver used to make money. But now, I know he can’t make the same amount due to the terrible state of the roads. He used to drop my kids off at school in the morning, but now, to make money, I have to make adjustments so he can make money during the busy morning hours,” he said.
Uitepisa Kavenjaa said the city council should start using more durable materials for road construction.
“We are experiencing climate change. If the rain keeps falling nonstop, will our roads be affected? They should use interlocking stones in areas with water drainage,” he said.
Community activist Shaun Gariseb accused local authorities of focusing more on enforcement than service delivery.
“The City of Windhoek doesn’t prioritise anything other than writing tickets and causing traffic disruptions with unnecessary roadblocks, rather than using this opportunity to engage with the community,” he said.
Gariseb said some residents are already filling potholes with sand and urged the city to involve local committees to manage affected areas.
“They want us to wait until after the rainy season. What if it rains until December? This torrential rain is abnormal for our country,” Gariseb said.
He further suggested that the municipality involve the community, even through CDCs (Community Development Committees), to help manage the areas most affected by the poor road conditions.
“It costs N$1 000 to fix my rims, and a good second-hand tyre costs N$400—all because the City of Windhoek’s roads and infrastructure department never has a contingency plan for anything. Drivers should not accept tickets for tyre conditions until the City of Windhoek also prioritises fixing these potholes. These issues can cause accidents, as even experienced drivers may not see the potholes in time,” he said.
City Police spokesperson Mercilline Murapo said fines are only issued when tyres are worn out, but police may be lenient if drivers provide valid reasons.
“We understand that the roads are in bad condition, but if a tyre is worn out and the driver has evidence, we will understand,” Murapo said.
At a City Council meeting on Monday, the mayor said only temporary road repairs would be done for now, with permanent work planned for after the rainy season.
