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Thursday, 22 October 2026
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Thursday, 22 October 2026
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Namibian press · Organization

Ministry of Works and Transport

Also known as: the Ministry of Works and Transport

Ministry of Works and Transport — government ministry managing road infrastructure, vehicle regulation, driving school standards, and aviation policy in Namibia.

2023-07-252026-10-22

News reports

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What’s been said

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  1. January 2026
  2. Informanté

    Ministry of Works and Transport highlighted above-normal rainfall in northern parts between October and December 2025

    Source

    “This was highlighted in the Ministry of Works and Transport's Climate Watch Report.”

    Northern Namibia sees above-normal rainfall between October and December 2025
  3. Informanté

    Ministry of Works and Transport indicated more rainfall expected until April 2026 with 150-250 mm forecast for northern areas

    Source

    “The ministry's report also indicated that more rainfall is expected in the country for the remainder of the rainfall season, which is set to persist until April 2026.”

    Northern Namibia sees above-normal rainfall between October and December 2025
  4. November 2025
  5. The Namibian

    Ministry of Works and Transport is custodian of the 2018 National Transport Master Plan

    Source

    “Road infrastructure development and expansion is also well articulated in the 2018 National Transport Master Plan under the custodian of the Ministry of Works and Transport and operationalised by the country's Medium to Long Term Roads Master Plan.”

    ‘Not a Rolls-Royce’: RFA Defends Project Costs and Strategic Vision
  6. The Namibian

    Ministry of Works and Transport received appreciation for its continued leadership in national road programmes continued leadership in national road programmes

    Source

    “Thus, please allow me to express sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Works and Transport for its continued leadership, and the Roads Authority for its tireless execution of our national road programmes.”

    Keynote address by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Oute Bridge
  7. The Namibian

    Ministry of Works and Transport must collaborate with all role players to ensure the school opens its doors fully in 2026

    Source

    “The Ministry of Works and Transport and the Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture must collaborate with all role players to ensure the school opens its doors fully in 2026.”

    Vice president Lucia Witbooi’s keynote address at the official handover of Etunda Primary School and Clinic
  8. October 2025
  9. The Namibian

    Ministry of Works and Transport should lead with legislation for mandatory first aid training for drivers

    Source

    “The Ministry of Works and Transport should lead with legislation, supported by the Ministry of Health and Social Services, the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund, and the National Road Safety Council.”

    Every Driver Should Know First Aid
  10. May 2025
  11. The Namibian

    Ministry of Works and Transport cancelled the N$2.5-billion locomotive tender

    Source

    “The national rail company says it is engaging other rail operators on various locomotive options, following the cancellation of the tender by the Ministry of Works and Transport.”

    TransNamib seeks new locomotives after N$2.5-billion tender cancelled over geopolitics

Saturday 17 October

  1. Former church building in Keetmanshoop now operates as liquor store

    A former church building in Keetmanshoop has been converted into a liquor store by Keetmanshoop Superspar since the 1990s, sparking concerns among elderly residents and social media debate about the moral acceptability of using a former place of worship for alcohol sales.

    17 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 16 October

  1. Works ministry defends N$35.5m vehicle audit finding

    The Ministry of Works and Transport defended its vehicle records after an audit found 53 government vehicles valued at N$35.5 million absent from the pool register, saying they were permanently allocated to various offices and agencies and therefore recorded in a different register instead.

    16 October 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Ministry disputes audit finding on missing government vehicles

    The Ministry of Works and Transport has challenged an audit finding that 53 government vehicles worth N$35.5 million were missing from the pool vehicle register, arguing they had been recorded in a Permanent Allocated Vehicle Register instead. The Windhoek Observer editorial calls for complete records and independently verifiable evidence to resolve the discrepancy.

    16 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. Ministry disputes audit finding on 53 unrecorded government vehicles

    The ministry of works and transport has rejected an Auditor-General's finding that 53 newly acquired government vehicles worth N$35.5 million were "missing" or not recorded in the pool vehicle register, saying the vehicles were permanently allocated to specific government offices and recorded in a separate register.

    16 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 14 October

  1. PM calls for rural road improvements amid N$2bn projects

    Prime Minister Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare has called for improved rural access roads, while the Ministry of Works and Transport reports completed road projects valued at nearly N$2 billion.

    14 October 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Tuesday 13 October

  1. Auditor-General flags N$792m unreconciled variance in state accounts

    The Auditor-General issued a qualified audit opinion on government financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025, citing an unreconciled N$792.4 million variance in State Revenue Fund records, unauthorised spending by the defence ministry, and weaknesses in revenue accounting. The audit found that hundreds of millions in collected tax revenue was not allocated to correct categories and 14 offices, ministries and agencies underspent budgets by N$1.23 billion combined.

    13 October 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 6 October

  1. Ministry clarifies new number plate rollout timeline remains unclear

    The Ministry of Works and Transport has asked motorists, especially taxi drivers, not to panic over new color-coded number plates designed to mark vehicle use (taxi, government, diplomat). The ministry is still considering design and colour changes and will provide clarity on how the plates will apply to taxi operators who use vehicles for personal travel after stakeholder consultation concludes, with motorists given six to 12 months to convert.

    6 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 3 October

  1. US becomes Namibia's second-largest import source

    The United States became Namibia's second-largest source of imports in the second quarter of 2026, with its import share rising to 11.5% from 2.7%, driven largely by mineral fuels amid Middle East conflict disruptions to traditional fuel supply routes. GCC countries' share of Namibia's mineral fuel imports fell to less than 30% from an estimated 40% to 45%.

    3 October 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 18 September

  1. Walvis Bay airport weather services restored after connectivity outage

    Meteorological services at Walvis Bay International Airport have been fully restored after a connectivity disruption from last Friday temporarily interrupted weather observations and forced some scheduled flights to divert to Hosea Kutako International Airport. The Namibia Civil Aviation Authority temporarily reclassified the airport's airspace to allow operations to continue safely during the disruption.

    18 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 17 September

  1. Abidjan Convention reports progress on funding challenges

    The Abidjan Convention's executive secretary says the convention has made strides to address funding challenges, with member states honouring financial commitments following decisions adopted at the 14th Conference of Parties in May 2025. The secretariat has intensified follow-up with parties on outstanding contributions, though challenges remain.

    17 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 15 September

  1. President calls for action against gender-based violence, gruesome killings

    President Nandi-Ndaitwah addressed the National Prayer Day Against Gender-Based Violence and Gruesome Killings in Khomas Region, emphasizing that as a nation Namibia is being haunted by different evils and seeking divine intervention for behavioural change. She noted that a similar prayer day was held 12 years earlier in 2014 under then-President Pohamba, and questioned what more must be done to address the ongoing harmful impact of violence against women and children.

    15 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 14 September

  1. Namibia holds national prayer day against gender-based violence

    Namibia observed National Prayer Day across towns and villages on Saturday under the theme "Seeking Divine Intervention for Behavioural Change," with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah warning that prayer alone cannot end gender-based violence and must be matched by government performance and action from families, communities, and institutions.

    14 September 2026 · New Era →

Tuesday 8 September

  1. Ministry proposes 13 requirements for driving school regulation

    The Ministry of Works and Transport has unveiled 13 proposed requirements to tighten regulation of driving schools, including compulsory formal training, testing and certification for instructors. The proposals are expected to come into effect on 1 April 2027.

    8 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 3 September

  1. Okahandja athletes march against substance abuse in town

    Athletes from boxing, rugby, football, and cricket teams in Okahandja participated in a demonstration titled 'Champions against Substance Abuse' on Tuesday, led by regional officials and featuring speakers who shared stories about the dangers of substance abuse for athletes.

    3 September 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 2 September

  1. Ministry disavows leaked Namibia Air and Ethiopian Airlines document

    The Ministry of Works and Transport has rejected a leaked document circulating about Namibia Air's engagement with Ethiopian Airlines, stating it is not official or authorised and does not reflect any concluded agreement. The Ministry said discussions with Ethiopian Airlines and other stakeholders remain ongoing as Government assesses viable models for operationalising the proposed national airline.

    2 September 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Ministry confirms talks with Ethiopian Airlines on national airline

    The Ministry of Works and Transport confirmed discussions with Ethiopian Airlines on strategic and technical cooperation to restart a national airline, while stressing that no binding commitments have been made and that Namibian expertise and national interests remain central. The ministry is consulting with local aviation operators to avoid the mistakes that led to Air Namibia's financial collapse.

    2 September 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Government distances itself from leaked Namibia Air document

    The ministry of works and transport has distanced itself from a leaked document about proposed engagements between Namibia and Ethiopian Airlines over establishing a new national carrier, saying it does not recognise the document as an official or accurate reflection of its positions. The ministry confirmed discussions with Ethiopian Airlines are continuing alongside consultations with local aviation operators and other stakeholders.

    2 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Sunday 30 August

  1. Central Procurement Board incorporates CSR criteria into bidding process

    The Central Procurement Board of Namibia has implemented Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) criteria in its procurement bidding process, requiring bidders to submit CSR proposals equivalent to not less than 0.1% of the contract amount. The first implementation saw West Trading JV Unik Construction Engineering Namibia donate blankets, school uniforms, and sanitary pads valued at N$64,886.51 to the Bethanie community.

    30 August 2026 · Informanté →

Monday 24 August

  1. Ministry reviews learner's licence test after pass rates drop

    The Ministry of Works and Transport is reviewing the question bank for Namibia's computerised learner's licence testing system following a decline in pass rates since its May launch. The national pass rate fell from 45% in May to 43% in June and July, with lower rates recorded at the Okahandja pilot office and the mobile testing unit.

    24 August 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Ministry to regulate driving schools and instructors nationwide

    The Ministry of Works and Transport is moving to regulate driving schools and instructors to improve driver training quality and road safety. The proposed framework will include registering driving schools, ensuring instructor qualifications, requiring safe training vehicles, and establishing consistent national standards.

    24 August 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Government allocates N$952 million to upgrade Namibia's railways

    The government is targeting the upgrading of 1 000 kilometres of Namibia's railway infrastructure in the 2026/27 financial year, with N$952.1 million directed towards modernising the national rail network under the Ministry of Works and Transport. The railway programme has received the largest allocation among transport infrastructure programmes, with targets increasing to 1 360 kilometres by 2028/29 and annual maintenance of 1 600 kilometres of railway lines.

    24 August 2026 · The Namibian →

  4. Ministry of Works proposes regulation of driving schools and instructors

    Namibia's ministry of works and transport is introducing a regulatory system for driving schools and driving instructors to improve the quality and consistency of driver training. The initiative aims to address inconsistencies in driver training and strengthen oversight of an industry considered critical to road safety.

    24 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 20 August

  1. Government to tighten regulation of number plate manufacturers

    The Ministry of Works and Transport is planning to strengthen regulations for number plate manufacturers to combat counterfeit and illegally produced plates. Minister Veikko Nekundi said the move aims to ensure every number plate is legitimate, identifiable and traceable, and requires stronger implementation, enforcement and cooperation between government agencies, police and licensing authorities.

    20 August 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Parliamentarian urges cost-benefit analysis of new asset agency

    A Landless People's Movement parliamentarian has called for the government to conduct a thorough cost-benefit and mandate analysis of the proposed Public Asset Management Agency before implementation, arguing that existing institutions could perform the proposed functions instead and that billions of dollars' worth of redundant public assets could be sold to fund the treasury.

    20 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 19 August

  1. Ministry to consult on driving school and instructor regulations

    The ministry of works and transport will conduct nationwide stakeholder consultations from August 2026 to March 2027 on proposed regulations for driving schools and instructors aimed at improving driver training quality and road safety. The framework will address instructor certification and competence, standardised training, consumer protection, and requirements for training vehicles and facilities.

    19 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Sunday 16 August

  1. Ministry appoints temporary board for Namibia Airports Company

    The Ministry of Works and Transport has appointed a temporary board of directors for the Namibia Airports Company to strengthen governance, accountability, and performance. The board, chaired by Rosalinde Nakale, has been tasked with guiding the company towards greater efficiency while ensuring it operates lawfully.

    16 August 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. IPC critic challenges legitimacy of government assets agency

    The IPC shadow minister of works and transport Nelson Kalangula has raised governance and legal concerns over the government's establishment of the Public Assets Management Agency (Pama) as a profit-oriented entity before dedicated legislation governing public assets has been enacted. He argues that state properties should not be handed to a commercially driven entity without full parliamentary scrutiny and explicit legislative boundaries, and warns that interim board appointments could undermine corporate governance and be subject to political control.

    16 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 11 August

  1. Ministry completes 210km railway network upgrade in 2025/26

    The Ministry of Works and Transport upgraded and completed 210 kilometres of railway infrastructure during the 2025/26 financial year as part of efforts to upgrade, construct, maintain and modernise the national railway network through TransNamib. Progress was also recorded on multiple rail projects including the Kranzberg–Otjiwarongo upgrade, where 16,300 tonnes of rails and 48 turnouts were delivered representing 40% completion of Lot 1.

    11 August 2026 · New Era →

Sunday 9 August

  1. Namibia Air receives air service licences for national carrier

    The Transportation Commission of Namibia has approved Namibia Air's applications for scheduled and non-scheduled air service licences, formally handing them over to the Ministry of Works and Transport. The approval clears a critical path toward establishing the country's new national carrier.

    9 August 2026 · Informanté →

Saturday 8 August

  1. Namibia Air targets December launch without secured funding or aircraft

    Namibia Air received its air service licence but has yet to secure funding or purchase aircraft, with the Cabinet still to decide on the proposed course of action. The airline's board chairperson said acquiring aircraft could take one to six months depending on lease availability.

    8 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Ministry of Works and Transport — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute