Annakleta Haikera
Rundu town mayor Andreas Jikerwa says plans are underway to improve road infrastructure, water supply, and electrification in Rundu, following growing concerns from residents about poor services in several suburbs.
On Thursday, Jikerwa revealed that the Town Council has already begun implementing a plan to upgrade over 30 kilometres of roads after residents raised complaints about sandy streets that make it difficult for the movement of vehicles.
Residents from at least eight areas, including Ndama, Kehemu, Tuhingireni, Kaisosi, Sun City, Sauyemwa, Tumweneni, and Sikanduko, say thick sand often causes vehicles to get stuck, especially taxis trying to transport passengers.
Community member Martin Kakoro says the situation affects transport services and slows development in their neighbourhoods.
Jikerwa said that the Council has developed a master plan that identifies 25 priority roads across different suburbs to be upgraded in phases. The plan focuses on improving main access routes first for residents to easily connect to smaller streets within their neighbourhoods. He added that a contractor has already been appointed to carry out the work, with road upgrades expected to take place gradually in different areas.
Adding on to the delays taxi operators and delivery drivers experience due to the thick sand, Maria Mwengere, another resident, shared that emergency vehicles such as ambulances, police, and fire trucks at times struggle to reach certain areas because of the poor road conditions.
Beyond roads, Jikerwa said the Town Council also plans to improve water supply, particularly in expanding residential areas. Plans are underway to extend water services to the western side of the town up to Mupini (10 kilometres from the town centre), the eastern areas towards Kayengona (8 kilometres away), and the southern parts reaching Masivi (15 kilometres away).
The mayor explained that although Rundu has access to water, additional infrastructure is needed to ensure reliable supply in developing suburbs. Boreholes in the southern part of Ndama are currently not operational, but the Council has engaged the relevant ministry to assist in that regard. Electrification at the borehole site has already been completed, with the remaining work involving connecting pipelines in collaboration with NamWater to improve water distribution.
The Council has also secured support from national government structures to accelerate infrastructure development. Moreover, funding for road construction has been secured through relevant ministries, with the contract having been awarded to Chico Construction Company, which has already started work in areas including Kaisosi and Kasote.
The project will involve gravelling 12 streets while others will eventually be tarred.
In addition, Jikerwa revealed that discussions with the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy have resulted in plans to expand electrification and install street lights in several suburbs. Following a recent visit by the minister, authorities toured areas including Kaisosi and Kasote to identify priority streets for lighting.
Street lights are expected to be installed soon on at least 10 roads, including Eugene Kakukuru Street and Maria Mwengere Street, to improve safety and visibility for residents.
Jikerwa said the planned projects are aimed at strengthening infrastructure and supporting the town’s development as Rundu continues to grow.
