Walvis Bay’s roads are undergoing a major upgrade as a N$498 million rehabilitation programme targets damaged roads, potholes and underground sewer problems across the town.
The project, which started in October 2024, is being carried out through a partnership between the Municipality of Walvis Bay, the Roads Authority and the Road Fund Administration. The programme has been extended until 2 April 2028, to allow for work on both the road network and sewer lines underneath some of the roads. The latest phase, Lot 3, was recently handed over to the contractor.
The project has a contract value of N$123 million and will see about eight kilometres of roads rehabilitated over 24 months. Walvis Bay Mayor Johannes Shimbilinga said the project is about more than repairing roads. “Today marks the beginning of a project that will not only repair asphalt and stone, it will also restore mobility, safety, dignity and opportunity across our community,” he said. The mayor said the town’s roads are important links between homes, schools, businesses and the port.
Minister of Works and Transport Veikko Nekundi said Walvis Bay is important to Namibia’s plans to industrialise and strengthen its position as a regional logistics hub. He warned contractors that the quality of the work must not be compromised and that projects must be completed on time and within budget.
Erongo Governor Dr Nathalia /Goagoses welcomed the N$123 million investment but called for local people, particularly unemployed young Namibians, to be given employment opportunities on the project. She said employing local workers would give them a sense of belonging and ownership.
Roads covered by the programme
The road rehabilitation programme is divided into several lots.
Lot 1, which is still ongoing, focuses on the rehabilitation and emergency repairs of Third Street East and Third Street.
Lot 1A has been completed and included Allen Dean Martin Street, Railway Street and 2nd Street.
Lot 2 is ongoing and involves the rehabilitation of several important intersections across Walvis Bay.
Lot 3 is ongoing and covers about eight kilometres of roads, including 5th Street East, 6th Street East, Grand Avenue Drive, 5th Road, Grand Avenue and Hidipo Hamutenya Drive.
These roads are being rehabilitated as priority roads with fewer underground sewer lines and will receive Cape Seal surfacing. (Cape Seal is a road-surfacing method in which a layer of stone chips is bonded to the road with bitumen and then covered with a slurry layer. This creates a durable, sealed surface that helps protect the road from water and wear. Source: South African Department of Transport, TRH14 – Guidelines for Road Construction Materials and TRH3 – Design and Construction of Surfacing Seals.)
Lot 4 has been completed and focused on routine maintenance and emergency repairs, including work to deal with serious potholes and protect important routes serving the port. Hanna Mupetami Road was a major focus of this work.
Lot 5 is planned for the future and will focus on heavily used commercial transport routes that need major rehabilitation and upgrading to asphalt standards.
Work on Lot 5 will only start after the municipality has completed the modernisation and realignment of sewer networks underneath these roads.
Lot 6 is now commencing and will focus on residential access roads in Kuisebmond and Narraville. In Kuisebmond, the roads include Nathaniel Maxuilili Avenue, New Western Road and Kabeljou Street. In Narraville, work will cover Pelican Street, Neptune Street, Kruis Street, Namib Street and Caesar Martin Street. The municipality has appealed to residents and motorists to be patient while the work is taking place. Road users are urged to follow traffic signs, use designated diversions and cooperate with contractors and traffic officials to help ensure that the work is carried out safely and efficiently.
The municipality says the overall programme is aimed at improving Walvis Bay’s road network and supporting the town’s role as an important centre for business, industry and port-related activities.
By Eileen van der Schyff
