Since 2022, the Road Fund Administration (RFA) has invested N$109 million in upgrading roads in Rundu.
However, the town council still needs more funds to meet its road infrastructure needs. Rundu town serves as a hub for the Kavango West and East regions, with people accessing services such as hospitals and banks daily.
However, traffic congestion is a major challenge due to the growing population.
The RFA and town council have since upgraded the Dr. Sam Nujoma Drive, Maria Mwengere, Elizabeth Nepemba, Dr. Samuel Kaveto Mbambo, and John Mutorwa roads.
Kenedy Chigumira, the Roads Authority Engineer for the Kavango West Region, explained that "Funding from the RFA and the relevant ministries should consider setting a target of at least 100 kilometres or 50 kilometres for road improvements over the next three years.
This will ensure that the town has tarred roads and is regarded with respect. The town should be treated with respect, just like any other town." For the 2025/2026 financial year, the council received N$8.9 million from the RFA for road maintenance.
The funds are being used to decongest the main Eugene Kakukuru Road. Town Engineer at the Rundu Town Council, Sakaria Shopati, said, "We have a project ongoing that is to complete the remaining 500 metres of Joseph Haingura Mise.
The project also involves the upgrading of Sitendupasi Street to low-volume steel. That street runs behind the hospital, the technical office, and the government garage. So that's a combined total of N$20.1 million. So as you can see, it's already short by about N$12 million.
And we are optimistic that we'll be able to cover it with the next financial year allocation, which will be available by April next year." Shopati added that, because Rundu is close to the river, the roads are being upgraded to a low-volume seal to prevent gravel erosion from rain; this upgrade will help extend the lifespan of the roads and ensure that the funds are used effectively.
RFA Manager for Corporate Services, Ferdinand Molale, praised local authorities for efficiently planning with R.A. contractors and consultants to ensure timely project completion and proper fund usage, encouraging them to submit their claims promptly. "RFA will, on its part, also ensure the timely release of funds for project continuity," he added The council's agreement with the RFA lapsed this year, but discussions for possible renewal are on. Rundu has a total of 35 km of tarred roads.