Namibia Minute.
Sunday, 6 September 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Sunday, 6 September 2026
Windhoek—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Namibian press · Organization

Roads Authority

Also known as: Roads Authority Namibia · Roads Authority-RA Namibia · Roads Authority of Namibia

Roads Authority — Namibian government entity responsible for road infrastructure management, licensing fees, and safety oversight, conducting recent reviews of highway projects and accident investigations.

2022-11-042026-09-06
Share on WhatsApp

What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

  1. May 2026

  2. Informanté

    Roads Authority announced temporary closure of C13 gravel road between Rosh Pinah and Aussenkehr due to flooding

    Source

    “THE Roads Authority has announced the temporary closure of the C13 gravel road between Rosh Pinah and Aussenkehr after flooding from the Orange River submerged part of the route.”

    Road flooded as Orange River closes C13 route between Rosh Pinah and Aussenkehr

  3. Informanté

    Roads Authority is monitoring and will provide updates as conditions change

    Source

    “The Roads Authority said it is closely monitoring the situation and will provide updates as conditions change.”

    Road flooded as Orange River closes C13 route between Rosh Pinah and Aussenkehr

  4. Windhoek Observer

    Roads Authority expressed concern over alarming increase in road crashes during long weekend

    Source

    “The Roads Authority said it is concerned about the increase in road crashes during the long weekend.”

    ‘Health ministry wrong about crash victims’ …as sources allege eight were hitchhikers, not patients

  5. Informanté

    Roads Authority has been the implementing partner since its inception for the labour-based rural road construction initiative

    Source

    “The Roads Authority of Namibia has, since its inception, been the implementing partner.”

    Road from Omulondo to Oshuuli (D4119) officially opened

  6. Informanté

    Roads Authority expressed deep concern over a surge in fatal road accidents during the long weekend

    Source

    “THE Roads Authority (RA) has expressed deep concern over a surge in fatal road accidents during the long weekend, extending condolences to families of victims while urging motorists to exercise greater caution to prevent further loss of life.”

    Roads Authority mourns crash victims, urges caution over long weekend

  7. Informanté

    Roads Authority called on all road users to drive responsibly and adhere to traffic regulations

    Source

    “The RA called on all road users to drive responsibly and adhere to traffic regulations, warning against dangerous behaviours such as speeding, reckless overtaking, and driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances.”

    Roads Authority mourns crash victims, urges caution over long weekend

  8. The Namibian

    Roads Authority says it is deeply saddened and concerned by the number of road traffic accidents recorded during the long weekend

    Source

    “The Roads Authority says it is deeply saddened and concerned by the number of road traffic accidents recorded during the long weekend.”

    Roads Authority urges motorists to drive responsibly amid rise in accidents

  9. The Namibian

    Roads Authority temporarily closed 14 roads in ||Kharas region due to rain damage

    Source

    “The Roads Authority (RA) has temporarily closed 14 roads in the ||Kharas region following severe damage caused by heavy rainfall and flooding.”

    Roads Authority closes 14 ||Kharas roads due to rain damage

  10. The Namibian

    Roads Authority announced it is monitoring affected areas and will undertake assessments and repairs

    Source

    “The authority announced on Thursday that it is monitoring the affected areas and will undertake necessary assessments and repairs as conditions permit.”

    Roads Authority closes 14 ||Kharas roads due to rain damage
  11. April 2026

  12. Informanté

    Roads Authority urged motorists to exercise caution and prioritise safety during long weekend

    Source

    “THE Roads Authority (RA) and the West Coast Safety Initiative have urged motorists to exercise caution and prioritise safety as higher traffic volumes are expected on major routes during the long weekend.”

    High traffic expected, drivers urged to stay alert
Opinion

Road bypasses risk isolating towns economically despite improving traffic flow

The News

An editorial argues that while Namibia's upgraded highways efficiently move traffic between destinations, they may unintentionally harm towns along the routes by redirecting economic opportunity away from them. The piece uses Okahandja's experience with the upgraded Windhoek–Okahandja route to illustrate how bypasses can negatively impact local economies despite improving journey times.

4 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Friday 4 September

  1. Road bypasses risk isolating towns economically despite improving traffic flow

    An editorial argues that while Namibia's upgraded highways efficiently move traffic between destinations, they may unintentionally harm towns along the routes by redirecting economic opportunity away from them. The piece uses Okahandja's experience with the upgraded Windhoek–Okahandja route to illustrate how bypasses can negatively impact local economies despite improving journey times.

    4 September 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

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 →

Wednesday 19 August

  1. Namibia's procurement reform seeks speed without sacrificing accountability

    Namibia's revised public procurement regulations, which came into operation on 4 August 2026, give over 80 public entities greater scope to undertake procurement independently, aiming to reduce administrative delays and improve service delivery. The success of the reform will depend on implementation rather than the regulations themselves, balancing efficiency with transparency and accountability.

    19 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  2. Namibia revises procurement thresholds, expands entity participation

    More than 80 public entities gain broader procurement authority under Namibia's revised regulations effective August 4, 2026, aimed at reducing administrative delays, decongesting central procurement, and expanding supplier opportunities. The changes raise procurement thresholds to reflect current economic conditions including inflation and currency depreciation.

    19 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. Roads Authority estimates Omaruru-Uis upgrade at N$1.36 billion

    The Roads Authority says upgrading the Omaruru-Uis road will cost an estimated N$1.36 billion, with no confirmed funding, completed design, or procurement underway.

    19 August 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Monday 17 August

  1. Roads Authority investigates theft of 30 laptops

    At least 30 brand new HP laptops were stolen from the Roads Authority head office last month from the ICT department. The theft follows another burglary in April in which eight laptops were stolen, and allegations that surveillance cameras were tampered with; the matter is under investigation by Namibian Police.

    17 August 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Police launch road safety operation after 279 deaths

    Namibia recorded 1,747 road traffic crashes and 279 fatalities between January 1 and August 9 this year. The Namibian Police Force has launched an Integrated Road Safety Operation running until September 10, targeting national road corridors and high-risk areas during the school holiday and Heroes' Day period, focusing on speeding, drunk driving, and reckless driving.

    17 August 2026 · New Era →

Thursday 13 August

  1. Minister hands over N$132 million Walvis Bay road rehabilitation

    Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi officially handed over a N$132 million road rehabilitation project covering six deteriorating roads and roughly eight kilometres across Walvis Bay, a collaboration between the Roads Authority, Road Fund Administration, and Walvis Bay Municipality with Unik Construction as contractor. Nekundi emphasised the need for accountability, on-time delivery within budget, quality standards, and fair treatment of workers.

    13 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Wednesday 12 August

  1. 11-member SOE pay review task force status unclear

    Confusion surrounds the status of an 11-member task force chaired by Joseph Diescho, established to review governance and human resource matters at state-owned enterprises. Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare reportedly cancelled the task force after it found its mandate duplicated prior work, though task force member Conrad Lutombi says it was merely put on hold while the government reviews completed recommendations.

    12 August 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Contractor sues Kambwa over alleged tender collaboration breakdown

    Sostenus Wilherm Kulla Trading Enterprises CC is seeking more than N$922,000 in alleged lost profits from Kambwa Construction, claiming it was excluded from work promised after Kambwa secured a Roads Authority of Namibia tender for upgrading 12 kilometres of DR3633 in the Omusati Region. The dispute centres on an alleged January 2023 collaboration agreement in which Kulla Trading's business profile would be included in Kambwa's bid and the company would be appointed as subcontractor for more than 10% of the project.

    12 August 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 6 August

  1. Roads Authority reviews Western Bypass safety after fatal crashes

    The Roads Authority is conducting a safety review of Windhoek's Western Bypass following multiple fatal accidents, including two involving trucks on Monday that killed a driver and 46 cattle, amid public and parliamentary concerns about sharp curves, steep descent, and inadequate road planning.

    6 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 5 August

  1. Driver attitude may contribute to Western Bypass accidents, expert says

    Road expert Felix Tjozongoro says driver fatigue and attitude, rather than road conditions alone, may have caused two truck crashes on the Western Bypass on Monday that killed a truck driver and 46 head of cattle and left two people seriously injured. Tjozongoro argues drivers must exercise caution and drive responsibly until infrastructure upgrades are completed.

    5 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 4 August

  1. Two truck crashes on Windhoek bypass kill driver, 21 cattle

    Two separate truck crashes on Windhoek's Western Bypass near the University of Namibia killed one driver and 21 cattle, left two others seriously injured, with one losing a leg. Construction is underway in the area, and the road is described as hazardous due to sharp curves and steep descent.

    4 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 2 August

  1. Oshana police chief urges traffic compliance in Oshakati

    The Oshana police commander has called on Oshakati motorists to adhere to traffic rules, describing them as a safeguard for lives rather than punishment. The appeal was made at the inauguration of a newly established Oshakati Town Council Traffic Law Enforcement Unit.

    2 August 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Roads Authority raises vehicle licence and permit fees

    The Roads Authority has increased vehicle licence fees by 10% and abnormal load and road carrier permit charges by 20%, drawing criticism from transport operators and road users who say the rises will worsen their financial burden amid rising living costs.

    2 August 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 29 July

  1. Road user charges to increase from August 2026

    The Roads Authority has announced adjustments to Road User Charges for the 2026/27 financial year, effective 1 August 2026: vehicle licence fees will increase by 10%, while charges for abnormal loads and road carrier permits will each rise by 20%.

    29 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 28 July

  1. Oshakati launches traffic law enforcement unit

    Namibia's minister of works and transport says a digital road traffic system will soon be implemented to record vehicles running red lights, pending law amendments. Oshakati has established a Traffic Law Enforcement Unit to promote road safety and enforce traffic regulations as the town grows.

    28 July 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Transport minister announces digital plates, surveillance for road safety

    Transport minister Veikko Nekundi has announced plans to introduce digital vehicle number plates, expand intelligent traffic surveillance systems, and strengthen traffic officers' enforcement powers through legislative reforms to reduce road crashes. The government has finalized the design of digital plates and is preparing legislation to support their rollout alongside automated traffic enforcement capable of detecting violations like red-light infractions.

    28 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

  3. Otjozondjupa governor calls for national road safety investment on B1

    Otjozondjupa governor John //Khamuseb has called for stronger national investment in road safety along the B1 highway, warning that the country's busiest transport corridor has become synonymous with devastating loss of life. A road safety community engagement initiative launched in Otjiwarongo will travel to multiple towns during the week, involving the directorate of education, innovation, youth, sport, arts and culture and other stakeholders.

    28 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 23 July

  1. Dismissed Roads Authority executive discusses job loss and reputation

    Former Roads Authority transport executive Sidney Boois, dismissed in February along with divisional manager Richard Milinga following a disciplinary hearing into a vehicle procurement tender worth about N$16 million, says he was frustrated by the circumstances and believes the accusations against him were unfounded. The pair appealed the guilty findings, but the Windhoek High Court later struck their urgent application to return to their jobs.

    23 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 16 July

  1. Omaheke region arrests 189 drunk drivers; road safety concerns mount

    Police in Omaheke arrested 189 drunk drivers between 2023 and 2026, with alcohol abuse identified as a leading cause of road crashes. Stakeholders met to address road safety challenges including roaming livestock, poor visibility on gravel roads, and increased heavy truck traffic.

    16 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Tuesday 14 July

  1. Roads Authority closes C28 section for construction work

    The Roads Authority has temporarily closed a section of the C28 road leading to the Langer Heinrich Uranium Mine, approximately 40 kilometres from the T0201 freeway, to allow ongoing construction works. A temporary bypass has been opened to ensure continued traffic flow, with motorists urged to follow road signs and reduce speed in the construction zone.

    14 July 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Namibia records 229 road deaths in first six months of 2026

    Namibia recorded 229 road deaths in the first six months of 2026, with 37 lives lost in the initial period. Pedestrian fatalities in Windhoek increased 29% compared to 2025, with the Khomas region consistently recording the highest pedestrian deaths and the B1 road identified as a hotspot for accidents.

    14 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 9 July

  1. Road fatalities down 3% but crashes rise amid funding gap

    Road fatalities in Namibia declined about 3% between 2020 and 2024, partly due to intensified alcohol and drug screening programmes, but road crashes and injuries increased by 11% and 7% respectively over the same period. The Road Fund Administration reports a N$2.3 billion funding gap for road maintenance, with deteriorating infrastructure and growing traffic volumes threatening to undermine road safety gains.

    9 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 7 July

  1. Namibia seeks Chinese technology to improve road safety

    Minister Veikko Nekundi said Namibia is pursuing advanced Chinese road safety technology to reduce crashes at accident hotspots, following discussions during President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's State Visit to China. The government aims to introduce systems capable of preventing accidents at blind spots and complement existing enforcement measures such as speed cameras.

    7 July 2026 · New Era →

Monday 6 July

  1. Court dismisses activist's challenge to Western Bypass speed humps

    Judge Gabriel Komboni dismissed activist Michael Amushelelo's urgent application against the minister of works and transport and the Roads Authority over speed humps installed on Windhoek's Western Bypass, finding that Amushelelo failed to demonstrate the officials acted unfairly, unreasonably, or contrary to law.

    6 July 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. National Council addresses rising road accidents crisis

    George !Garab welcomed stakeholders to a National Council Standing Committee engagement on a motion concerning critical measures to combat the rising road accidents crisis in Namibia, emphasizing a shared commitment to protecting the nation's people.

    6 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 3 July

  1. Judge dismisses speed hump removal case against Works Ministry

    High Court Judge Gabriel Komboni dismissed an application by activist Michael Amushelelo seeking to force the Ministry of Works and Transport and the Roads Authority to remove speed humps on the B1 Western Bypass, finding that Amushelelo failed to demonstrate how the installation violated common law or legislation.

    3 July 2026 · Informanté →

  2. Judge dismisses Amushelelo's urgent application on Western Bypass speed humps

    Judge Gabriel Komboni dismissed Michael Amushelelo's urgent application seeking to have speed humps on the Western Bypass near Windhoek's Northern Industrial Area declared unlawful and removed. Amushelelo argued the humps violated the Road Traffic and Transport Act of 1999 and posed a public hazard; he has accused the judiciary of bias and says he intends to appeal.

    3 July 2026 · Informanté →

  3. Court dismisses activist's bid to remove Western Bypass speed humps

    Judge Gabriel Komboni dismissed activist Michael Amushelelo's urgent application to have speed humps removed from the Western Bypass in Windhoek, which Amushelelo had argued disrupt traffic and pose a risk to motorists. According to the Roads Authority, the speed humps were installed in areas where pedestrian accidents have been recorded.

    3 July 2026 · The Namibian →

Roads Authority — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute