Namibia Minute.
Monday, 8 June 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 8 June 2026
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Namibian press · Person

Veikko Nekundi

Also known as: Minister Veikko Nekundi · Minister of works and transport Veikko Nekundi · Minister Nekundi · works minister Veikko Nekundi · Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi · Nekudi · Transport minister Veikko Nekundi · works and transport Veikko Nekundi · deputy works minister Veikko Nekundi · Transport and works minister Veikko Nekundi

Veikko Nekundi — Works and Transport Minister directing road safety improvements, fare regulation, and state-owned enterprise accountability in Namibia.

2024-06-162026-06-08
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What’s been said

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

  1. May 2026

  2. The Namibian

    Transport and works minister Veikko Nekundi says a request to increase the taxi fare has been received and the ministry will respond as a matter of urgency

    Source

    “Transport and works minister Veikko Nekundi says a request to increase the taxi fare has been received, and the ministry will respond to the request as a matter of urgency.”

    Nekundi to respond on taxi fare increase request

  3. Informanté

    Veikko Nekundi explained that government has taken note of continued increase in fuel prices driven by rising international oil prices

    Source

    “Veikko Nekundi, the Minister of Works and Transport, explained that government has taken note of the continued increase in fuel prices driven largely by rising international oil prices and ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.”

    Taxi prices to increase to N$15.00 effective 18 May 2026

  4. Windhoek Observer

    Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi announced 15% fare adjustment on Thursday

    Source

    “Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi announced the adjustment on Thursday, citing rising fuel prices and geopolitical tensions.”

    Public transport fares to rise by 15%

  5. Informanté

    Minister of Works and Transport Veikko Nekundi celebrated the official opening of the district road D4119 from Omulondo to Oshuuli

    Source

    “THE Minister of Works and Transport, Veikko Nekundi, the Governor of the Ohangwena Region, Hon. Kadiva Hamutumwa, together with representatives of the German project partners, Roads Authority (RA) management, and members of the benefiting communities, celebrated the official opening of the district road D4119 from Omulondo to Oshuuli in the Ohangwena Region on 24 April 2026.”

    Road from Omulondo to Oshuuli (D4119) officially opened

  6. The Namibian

    Veikko Nekundi expressed frustration with inefficiency in public institutions

    Source

    “Nekundi also expressed frustration with inefficiency in public institutions.”

    The side hustle of sitting on boards
  7. April 2026

  8. The Namibian

    Veikko Nekundi said he closed an investigation into alleged tribal bias in recruitments at the Roads Authority

    Source

    “This comes after works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi said he had closed an investigation into alleged tribal bias in recruitments at the Roads Authority (RA), where six senior positions were allegedly held by employees from the Zambezi region.”

    Opposition, experts raise concern over jobs for comrades and hiring bias in Namibia

  9. The Namibian

    Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi said all properties currently with works and transport and Public Asset Management Agency within works ministry

    Source

    “Asked to which department the Nida assets will be transferred, Nekundi said: "Currently all properties are with works and transport and the Public Asset Management Agency is within the works ministry."”

    Nida fears collapse over N$3-billion asset transfer order

  10. The Namibian

    Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi has told parliament compliance with branding regulations remains low

    Source

    “Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi has told parliament that compliance with branding regulations remains low, despite the legal requirement for all permitted vehicles to display identifying details.”

    Govt faces pushback over vehicle branding rules in e-hailing sector

  11. The Namibian

    Nekundi says the challenge is compounded by broader non-compliance with permit requirements

    Source

    “Nekundi says the challenge is compounded by broader non-compliance, with some applicants failing to meet basic permit requirements.”

    Govt faces pushback over vehicle branding rules in e-hailing sector

  12. The Namibian

    Minister Veikko Nekundi ordered investigation of alleged tribal bias in recruitment at Roads Authority

    Source

    “Minister of works and transport Veikko Nekundi's order to investigate alleged tribal bias in recruitment at the Roads Authority has reignited the issue of hiring practices across state-owned enterprises and government offices.”

    Minister investigates tribal bias at Roads Authority
Politics

Roads Authority installs speed humps on B1 Western Bypass

The News

The Roads Authority has begun installing speed humps at selected locations on the B1 Western Bypass in Windhoek to reduce pedestrian-related crashes, which have included fatalities. Construction started on 5 June 2026 and will temporarily disrupt traffic with lane closures between Independence Avenue Interchange and Lafrenz Interchange.

Why it matters

Roads Authority installing speed humps on B1 Western Bypass addresses pedestrian safety after fatal crashes, demonstrating proactive infrastructure response.

7 hours ago · Informanté →

Yesterday

  1. Roads Authority installs speed humps on B1 Western Bypass

    The Roads Authority has begun installing speed humps at selected locations on the B1 Western Bypass in Windhoek to reduce pedestrian-related crashes, which have included fatalities. Construction started on 5 June 2026 and will temporarily disrupt traffic with lane closures between Independence Avenue Interchange and Lafrenz Interchange.

    7 hours ago · Informanté →

Friday 5 June

  1. Roads Authority installs speed humps on Windhoek bypasses

    The Roads Authority has begun construction of speed humps along the B1 Western Bypass and A1 road south of Windhoek to reduce pedestrian fatalities and improve road safety. The work, initiated by transport minister Veikko Nekundi, will cause temporary traffic disruptions as one lane is closed at a time on the affected sections.

    5 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 4 June

  1. Government launches EV charging station pilot at ministry headquarters

    The Ministry of Works and Transport has installed an electric vehicle charging station at its Windhoek headquarters as a pilot project to assess the feasibility of a nationwide charging network. The facility, designed by ministry engineers, will serve as a case study to guide future EV charging infrastructure deployment across the country, initially targeting government-owned vehicles and government employees before expanding to the public.

    4 June 2026 · The Namibian →

Saturday 30 May

  1. TransNamib northern railway faces infrastructure challenges despite N$1.17bn investment

    TransNamib's northern railway line, which runs from Tsumeb through Ondangwa to Oshikango and received N$1.17 billion in investment, faces severe infrastructure and capacity challenges including the need for rail upgrades, limited rolling stock capacity, and regulatory gaps. The government is demanding board accountability over frequent derailments on the line.

    30 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 29 May

  1. Ministry warns transport operators not to exceed 15% fare rise

    Public passenger transport operators have been urged to keep fares within an approved 15% increase that took effect on 18 May, aimed at minimising the impact of rising international oil prices and global geopolitical tensions on commuters. The ministry encourages the public to report operators charging fares above the approved increase.

    29 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. President says development must not erase cultural identity

    President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said at the opening of the Omaludi Agricultural Festival in Ohangwena that development must not come at the expense of cultural identity. She noted the festival boosts the local economy through accommodation, transport, and informal trade, and announced the government will focus on improving existing agricultural schemes rather than establishing new ones.

    29 May 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 27 May

  1. TransNamib executives suspended for misconduct return to work

    Two senior TransNamib Holdings executives suspended in February over allegations of property mismanagement and statutory breaches returned to work on Tuesday following a directive from the works and transport minister. Their disciplinary hearing is continuing.

    27 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 26 May

  1. TransNamib to relaunch N$1.7 billion locomotive procurement tender

    A year after cancellation over single-sourcing concerns, TransNamib will restart the process to buy 23 new locomotives for N$1.7 billion following an independent technical evaluation of manufacturers. The procurement will proceed through the Central Procurement Board of Namibia using secured development finance.

    26 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 25 May

  1. Government plans dual carriageways on high-risk roads

    The Ministry of Works and Transport plans to construct dual-carriageway freeways across Namibia to reduce road accidents and improve transport efficiency. The government will start construction of the Usakos-Arandis dual-carriageway this year, prioritising key roads with heavy traffic volumes and accident records including Windhoek-Okahandja, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.

    25 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Thursday 21 May

  1. Nekundi directs newly appointed SOE boards to improve performance

    Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi has instructed newly appointed boards of the Roads Contractor Company, Namibia Civil Aviation Authority and TransNamib Holdings Limited to urgently improve performance, accountability and service delivery. Nekundi ordered the RCC to submit outstanding annual reports and complete projects on time and within budget, directed the aviation authority to strengthen surveillance systems and address concerns raised by recent plane crashes, and demanded an end to delays in TransNamib's locomotive remanufacturing and frequent derailments.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Police warn illegal taxi operators of fines and arrest

    Namibian police have warned that illegal taxi operators will face fines starting at N$2,000 and arrest upon a third transgression. The warning follows concerns raised by the Namibia Public Passenger Transport Association about 3,450 illegally operating cars since 2018, particularly in Rundu in Kavango East.

    21 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 20 May

  1. Police urge motorists to install dashcams against reckless driving

    Namibian Police chief of traffic law enforcement Petrus Swartz has called on motorists to install dashcams and report reckless driving incidents, saying the strategy aims to create a sense of constant accountability on roads and shift driver behaviour. Swartz stressed that video evidence is most useful when submitted within 24 to 48 hours of an incident.

    20 May 2026 · Namibian Sun →

Tuesday 19 May

  1. New N$15 taxi fare provides limited relief outside Windhoek

    Taxi drivers in smaller towns like Katima Mulilo say the new N$15 nationwide fare increase, which took effect yesterday, offers little benefit to them as commuters refuse to pay full fares and negotiate lower prices. Drivers in smaller towns report being forced to accept below-approved payments to avoid conflict with passengers.

    19 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Monday 18 May

  1. Over 70% of low-income Namibians depend on walking and cycling

    A report launched during UN Global Road Safety Week found that more than 70% of daily travel among low-income households in Namibia depends on walking and cycling, but major gaps exist in infrastructure, funding and policies supporting pedestrians and cyclists. Namibia recorded more than 1,000 motor vehicle crashes during the first four months of 2026, resulting in 179 deaths and over 1,700 injuries.

    18 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Saturday 16 May

  1. Roads Authority seeks public help on reckless truck overtaking incident

    The Roads Authority has appealed to a member of the public who captured images of a truck overtaking on a solid line to come forward and assist police investigations, saying the footage is important in addressing reckless driving and improving road safety. Commissioner Petrus Swartz said authorities are committed to tracing drivers involved in dangerous conduct and can pursue both transport company owners and private vehicle owners through official registration records.

    16 May 2026 · Informanté →

Wednesday 13 May

  1. Yango spends N$1.3m on permit fees amid compliance row

    Ride-hailing company Yango Namibia has submitted about 1,500 permit applications and spent N$1.3 million on temporary operating permit fees while navigating administrative delays. The Ministry of Works and Transport has threatened action if Yango and its drivers do not comply with regulations.

    13 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 10 May

  1. Transport fares rise N$13 to N$15 amid stagnant commuter wages

    Public transport fares between towns will increase from N$13 to N$15 from 18 May, according to Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi, following taxi drivers' complaints about fuel price hikes with no fare adjustment since 2021. Commuters say the increase will worsen their financial difficulties while their salaries remain unchanged.

    10 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Friday 8 May

  1. Namibia and Botswana to establish joint national airline

    Namibia and Botswana plan to launch a joint national airline by the end of this year, with Ethiopian Airlines as a strategic partner. The airline aims to create roughly 700 direct jobs and 500 indirect jobs, starting with domestic routes before expanding to regional and international markets.

    8 May 2026 · New Era →

  2. Fare increase applies only to legal operators, minister warns

    Namibia's works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi has warned that illegal taxi and bus operators will not be permitted to increase fares under a newly approved 15% public transport tariff adjustment that takes effect on 18 May, with the minimum taxi fare rising from N$13 to N$15.

    8 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Thursday 7 May

  1. Namibia increases taxi fares by 15% from May 18

    The ministry of works and transport announced a 15% increase in taxi, minibus and bus fares for urban and intercity transport, effective 18 May, following complaints from drivers about fuel price hikes. The increase marks the first adjustment to general taxi fares since 2021.

    7 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Transport minister to respond urgently to taxi fare increase request

    Transport and works minister Veikko Nekundi says the ministry will respond as a matter of urgency to a request from taxi drivers for a fare increase. Taxi drivers say fares have not increased since 2021 despite multiple fuel price rises, with the current fare remaining N$13 while petrol costs N$22.08 and diesel costs N$23.

    7 May 2026 · The Namibian →

  3. Taxi fares rise 15% to N$15.00 from May 2026

    The Ministry of Works and Transport has approved a 15% increase in taxi and bus fares, raising taxi fares from N$13.00 to N$15.00 effective 18 May 2026, in response to rising fuel prices and operational costs cited by transport operators.

    7 May 2026 · Informanté →

  4. Public transport fares to rise 15% nationwide from May 2026

    Public transport fares will increase by 15% nationwide from 18 May 2026, raising the minimum taxi fare from N$13 to N$15, following approval by the Ministry of Works and Transport. The increase cites rising fuel prices and geopolitical tensions, and comes after the Namibia Public Passenger Transport Association requested a 30% increase.

    7 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer →

Tuesday 5 May

  1. Road linking Omulonu to Oshuuli officially opened

    The Minister of Works and Transport and Ohangwena Region Governor officially opened the 23 km district road D4119 from Omulonu to Oshuuli on 24 April 2026, funded through Namibian-German Development Cooperation at a contract value of N$53 million. The all-year-round road connects two schools, a heritage centre, and more than 2,000 people in a previously sandy-track area.

    5 May 2026 · Informanté →

Monday 4 May

  1. Board positions at state enterprises yield N$400k to N$1.6m annually

    Board earnings for chairs and senior members at Namibian banks, listed companies and state-owned enterprises range from N$400,000 to N$1.6 million annually. Opposition chief whip Rodney Cloete argues board work has shifted from part-time public service to a full-time income stream for a politically connected group, often appointed through personal connections rather than merit.

    4 May 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 29 April

  1. Opposition, experts voice concern over political hiring bias in Namibia

    Opposition leaders and labour experts have raised concerns about "jobs for comrades"—the practice of hiring based on political party membership and regional affiliation rather than merit. The Popular Democratic Movement secretary general Manuel Ngaringombe says the practice undermines fair employment and compromises nationalism, tracing the issue back to post-independence hiring patterns within state-owned enterprises.

    29 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Monday 27 April

  1. Government orders Nida to transfer 154 assets worth N$3 billion

    The Namibia Industrial Development Agency is fighting a government directive to transfer 154 properties worth about N$3 billion to a new Public Asset Management Agency, warning that the assets are central to its funding and operations. The transfer, allegedly mandated by Cabinet as part of state asset restructuring, has raised fears about job losses and the agency's existence.

    27 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Sunday 26 April

  1. Government struggles to enforce vehicle branding rules for e-hailing operators

    Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi told parliament that compliance with mandatory vehicle branding requirements for e-hailing operators remains low, with drivers resisting rules requiring permanent identification marks on vehicles often used for private purposes. The ministry also cited broader non-compliance issues, including applicants' failure to meet basic permit requirements such as submitting certificates of good conduct.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian →

  2. Minister orders inquiry into tribal bias at Roads Authority

    Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi ordered an investigation into alleged tribal bias in recruitment at the Roads Authority, finding it employs about 74 people from the Zambezi region compared to more than 300 from northern Namibia. The probe has revived broader allegations of tribalism in hiring practices across Namibian state-owned enterprises and government offices.

    26 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Wednesday 22 April

  1. Government plans Hosea Kutako airport expansion including third terminal

    The government has confirmed plans to expand Hosea Kutako International Airport, including construction of a third terminal, as part of efforts to increase capacity and position Namibia as a regional aviation hub. The upgrades will include improving air navigation systems and expanding passenger handling capacity, with the government exploring public-private partnerships to finance the infrastructure.

    22 April 2026 · The Namibian →

Veikko Nekundi — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute