Swapo member of parliament Tobie Aupindi has raised alarm over worsening potholes, urging local authorities to act despite funding shortages and ongoing rainfall.
He described the capital’s potholes as ‘ponds’ requiring urgent action in the National Assembly yesterday.
“These ‘ponds’ have become so big and are wrecking vehicles. If not addressed, it will cause serious damage to cars and could lead to accidents,” he said.
Aupindi asked new minister of urban and rural development James Sankwasa why the situation is still persisting without local authorities taking action.
He said although constant rainfall is an obstruction, the ministry should direct local authorities to take action and conduct temporary repairs.
Aupindi said local authorities must address potholes as a matter of urgency.
“Some members of the public have even taken ownership and have started filling these ponds. This is how bad the situation is,” he said.
Aupindi said while rainfall is ongoing, he advised the ministry to direct local authorities to come up with urgent temporary road repairs.
Sankwasa, however, blamed the situation on local authorities’s outstanding debts.
He said local authorities are left to prioritise other matters given their lack of funds.
Sankwasa added that Mother Nature also poses challenges.
“It must be understood that municipalities are challenged with a lack of funds. They are owed huge amounts of money – some by you, the honourable ministers, for not paying your water bills.
“So I must fire warning shots when we embark on road repairs. We will cut off your water to collect the funds to repair the roads,” he said.
Sankwasa said municipalities are also unable to carry out repairs on a full-time basis due to constant rains.
City of Windhoek mayor Ndeshihafela Larandja last week said road repairs would only take place after the rainy season.
She, however, assured the public that a maintenance team has been dispatched to monitor the situation and repair the roads temporarily.
City of Windhoek spokesperson Lydia Amutenya last week called on the public to refrain from repairing potholes and to rather leave it to those licensed to do so.
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