The Roads Authority (RA) says it spent about N$704 000 on the installation of speed humps, road signs and transport costs along sections of the B1 Western Bypass and the A1 road south of Windhoek.
RA chief executive Mbahupu Tjivikua said this on Friday while dismissing claims that the project cost N$12 million.
The clarification comes amid growing debate over the speed humps.
The RA last week installed speed humps on the highway following a directive by works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi.
Tjivikua said the speed humps were introduced as an immediate road safety measure after an increase in pedestrian-related crashes, including fatal accidents, along the affected roads.
He said road safety assessments and accident data identified the areas as high-risk zones for pedestrians.
Although the roads carry high traffic volumes and vehicles often travel at high speeds, Tjivikua said frequent pedestrian movement across the corridors required urgent intervention.
“The speed humps are intended to reduce vehicle speeds, improve driver awareness,
and enhance pedestrian safety while long-term solutions are being pursued,” Tjivikua said.
However, the project has attracted criticism.
Landless People’s Movement chief whip Dawid Eigub on Thursday questioned Nekundi on whether engineering expertise had been sidelined in favour of political directives in the decision to install the speed humps.
The Namibian reported in its Friday edition that proposals to install speed humps on highways had previously been rejected in 2021.
The RA called on motorists to obey road signs, reduce speed near the affected areas and remain alert.
Tjivikua also urged pedestrians to use designated crossing points where available, and exercise caution when crossing busy roads
