The Walvis Bay Municipality said the Road Fund Administration has increased the budget for the road rehabilitation project to N$400 million.

Currently, the rehabilitation of two streets in the heavy industrial area is ongoing under the project.

In a statement, the Walvis Bay municipality indicated that roadworks are advancing steadily on Allan Dean Martin Street.

Communications Officer Anita Kaihiva said 200 metres of the base layer and 560 metres of the sub-base layer have been completed.

Kaihiva explained that the traffic department approved a traffic accommodation plan where one lane is kept open for users to minimise disruptions.

She further noted that work on 3rd Street, which is focused on replacing the existing sewer line, is going well.

She stated that the upgrade will significantly improve underground infrastructure and long-term service reliability in the area.

Launched last year, the road rehabilitation project initially received a N$250 million budget from the Road Fund Administration.

The budget was further increased to N$400 million for the execution period of five years.

Kaihiva noted that the funds are not administered by the local authority.

She stressed that the RFA funding is a commitment to strengthening the harbour town's role as a key logistics and trade hub.

The five-year project, she added, will further see upgrades to 3rd Street, 3rd Street East, 2nd Street, and Railway Street in the heavy industrial area.

The communications officer emphasised that the streets are essential in facilitating the efficient movement of goods and vehicles between the port of Walvis Bay and surrounding industrial zones.

About two weeks ago, the council tabled a N$1.3 million budget for the 2025/26 financial year.

Infrastructure development received the second largest chunk of the capital budget, with N$152 million earmarked for infrastructure repairs, road resealing and rehabilitation of streets and intersections.

The funds will also go towards water and sewer infrastructure upgrades.