Over 2000 road signs are vandalised each year in the city, costing the municipality N$7.5 million annually.

"Over the last two months, we recorded 380 stolen road signs and another 503 vandalised. During a two-day campaign to remove illegal advertisements, we found adverts placed on 412 road signs. In addition, 126 signs were damaged in accidents. Overall, we are looking at more than 7,000 to 8,000 signs that need to be maintained or replaced annually," stated City Police spokesperson Katrina Nomboga.

Assistant Superintendent Nomboga says damaged signs can make it difficult for motorists and pedestrians to navigate the city and, in some cases, comply with traffic regulations.

She added that with the city expanding, the police also rely on residents to report signs that are faded, damaged, vandalised or missing.

"We monitor our road signs through our patrols. We have members running on a 24-hour basis patrolling our city, which serves as our primary line of communication to spot signs that are damaged, vandalised, or missing."

She further warns that when signs are removed, vandalised or become difficult to read, motorists may not receive important warnings about upcoming hazards, speed-calming measures or accident-prone areas.

The City Police says it has a backlog in replacing damaged and missing road signs across the capital.

She further emphasised that stolen signs are often sold as scrap metal, creating a cycle of theft and replacement costs.

"We need to actually believe that this is a shared resource. We need to take care of this important infrastructure because if they were not there, it would be very difficult for you to navigate the city."