The Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, has given Rundu Town Council two days to find a contractor and start work on covering trenches that pose a risk to lives in the Tutungeni location.

"This one is not a governor's job. This one is the council's job, and now that it's an emergency, we treat it in that way. Get three quotations. One quotation will not work. Urgently apply for a direct procurement exemption through the ministry to the Minister of Finance. You can apply directly to the Minister of Finance for direct procurement, because the Minister of Finance is authorised to give a direct procurement without tendering, and since we are dealing with this emergency, we do it in that fashion, but not one quotation—provide at least three quotations, and the quotation must be thorough," Sankwasa said.

The council has until Friday to get the quotations and ensure work commences on Monday.

"This part of the street up to there, going to Sauyemwa, and going to the police station can be part two. For now, the emergency part is this one, because houses are falling. You see? So this street is part one, and this one goes together with the street. The other part, which is at least not too damaged, we can leave for normal management; this one becomes abnormal management," he added.

Sankwasa warned against returning money to the treasury while the region remains with unresolved problems.

The Tutungeni location has been facing challenges for a while, especially during the rainy season. 

One of the trenches became bigger last year, risking about three houses, one positioned along the edge of the trench currently. Continued heavy rains pose a real risk of washing these houses away. 

The trenches have also caused damage to access roads.