A group of unemployed young men in Otjiwarongo has taken it upon themselves to address road maintenance by filling potholes, aiming to enhance road safety within their community. 

Local resident James Salomon initiated the project in January.

He said the project was driven by frustration over unemployment and spending long periods at home or roaming the streets without opportunities. 

Using basic tools and locally available materials, they began filling potholes, particularly in busy areas.

"To keep the initiative going, we need support from the community, so we buy cones to show the taxi drivers here we are busy; they must just drive on the other side. We just collect sand, put it in the potholes, and level it so the taxis can drive smoothly."

Our news team located the group at work in Tsaraxa-Aibes, where they were actively filling potholes and improving road conditions for both motorists and pedestrians.

Residents of Otjiwarongo have welcomed the initiative, saying it has helped improve safety in areas where potholes had long been a concern.

Otjiwarongo mayor Leonard Simushi has urged other young people to play an active role in keeping the town clean and well-maintained, highlighting the importance of youth participation in community development.

"I'm feeling proud to see young people becoming responsible for taking care of their own town. It's a good initiative to encourage other youth to make sure that when they see something or paper lying around, they don't have to be commanded to do anything good for their own town."

Simushi used his own funds to buy food and refreshments for the busy team of young men closing potholes in Tsaraxa-Aibes.