Oshakati to fix potholes after rainy season

Oshakati mayor Leonard Hango says the town’s council will only be able to rehabilitate rain-damaged roads after the rainy season.

He says the council is currently filling potholes with sand as an interim measure, while making funds available to rehabilitate the roads.

“We are fully aware of the potholes on our roads, and we feel the pinch as well. However, since it is still the rainy season, we will only be able to rehabilitate all the tarred and gravel roads in town after the rain has stopped,” Hango said yesterday.

He said the council is yet to determine the total cost of the damaged roads, adding that most are in a dilapidated state and need urgent rehabilitation.

He urged road users to bear with the council until the rainy season comes to an end.

“The conditions of our roads are really bad. We want to assure motorists that the roads will be rehabilitated soon after the rainy season. I want to urge road users to be cautious on the roads and avoid driving through the potholes to avoid further damage to their vehicles.

“Due to the recent heavy rainfall, several roads in town require urgent maintenance. Our technical team is diligently working to address these road conditions and ensure safe and accessible routes for all.

However, we kindly ask residents for their patience as we prioritise the most critical areas first,” Hango said.

Motorists say the potholes have cost them a lot of money.

“These potholes are an inconvenience. I had to buy two new tyres after hitting them. The town council must fix the roads,” resident Sam Shilunga say.

Local taxi drivers say they have considered filling the potholes with cement, but are hesitant due to the risks involved. “Who will be accountable should the cement crack and damage cars? The taxis will be accused of causing the damage.

We are patiently waiting for the town council to address this pothole situation,” one taxi driver says.