Walvis Bay Municipality Responds to Growing Pothole Concerns
Residents of Walvis Bay are raising increasing concern over the deteriorating state of roads across the town, with potholes continuing to affect both residential streets and major routes.
Motorists say the damaged roads have become part of their daily struggle, forcing them to slow down, swerve to avoid deep potholes, and spend more on vehicle repairs such as tyres, wheel alignment, and suspension maintenance. Many residents have also highlighted safety risks, especially during rainy conditions when potholes fill with water and become difficult to detect.
Responding to the concerns, Walvis Bay Municipality Public Relations Officer, Anita Kaimishe, said the municipality understands the frustration of residents, particularly motorists who are directly affected by the poor road conditions.
“We sympathise with residents, particularly motorists. We are aware of the situation and are doing everything we can to ensure that the pothole problem is addressed,” Kaimishe said.
However, she noted that road repairs cannot be carried out instantly, as the process involves multiple administrative and technical steps.
“It will not happen overnight because the process is complex. We cannot simply appoint any company and ask them to start the work,” she said.
Kaimishe explained that the municipality is legally required to follow public procurement procedures before any road rehabilitation projects can begin. Contractors must submit bids, after which evaluations are conducted and tenders awarded to successful service providers.
She further noted that engineers also need to be appointed and funded before construction begins, which adds to the time and cost involved in the process.
“These are some of the challenges we face as the Municipality of Walvis Bay,” she said.
Despite these challenges, the municipality confirmed that several road maintenance and rehabilitation projects are already underway.
An active pothole repair programme is currently being implemented by DJJ Investment CC, with works taking place along Namib Street, 6th Road, Nangolo Mbumba Drive, and Sam Nujoma Avenue.
At the same time, Westwing JV Area 7 Engineering has begun rehabilitation works on Kabeljou Street. The project includes pothole patching, crack sealing, slurry sealing, and other surface treatments aimed at improving road quality and extending the lifespan of the infrastructure.
The contractor is also expected to work on Kruis Street, Esplanade Street, Main Road, the Esplanade Walkway, 7th and 8th Streets, as well as the section of 9th Road between Union Street and Sam Nujoma Avenue. The municipality said the sequence of work will depend on road conditions and operational requirements.
Looking ahead, the municipality confirmed that the design phase for the reconstruction of New Western Road, which leads to Independence Beach, has been completed. Construction will commence once procurement processes are finalised. Reconstruction of Nathanael Maxuilili Street is also expected to start soon.
Road improvement works in the industrial area are continuing under a Memorandum of Understanding between the Municipality of Walvis Bay, the Roads Authority, and the Road Fund Administration.
The municipality acknowledged residents’ concerns, stating that road maintenance is being carried out in phases based on priority, available funding, and contractor schedules. Officials also thanked residents for their patience as infrastructure upgrades continue across the town.
While the municipality has outlined ongoing and planned interventions, many residents say they are still hoping for visible improvements soon, as potholes continue to disrupt daily travel across Walvis Bay.
