The Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, has urged China Henan International Cooperation Group (CHICO) to complete a project they are currently working on within the next five months.

About a month ago, CHICO was awarded the tender to fill sinkholes, rehabilitate stormwater drainage systems, and construct a tar road in Rundu. The project is estimated to cost N$108 million.

“Last time I said I am not an engineer, but it's common sense that if this place is left like this, even if you have filled all the holes here, what are we doing about this to make sure that this land remains intact during the next rainy season? If we simply construct the road, it will eventually deteriorate again. We need to adopt a preventive approach to ensure that this land remains intact. We need to compact this area; whether we install walls or any other structures, they must prevent soil erosion," Sankwasa said.

Sankwasa is, however, concerned about them finishing on time.

“We have May, June, July, August—five months. The rain is coming. Here, you are from China; I was in China. In China, the work does not stop—what stops is people. You work 24 hours in China. Why don't you use it here so that we finish up early? There are five months left now. Will you be able to finish tarring this, putting in interlocks, and everything in five months?” he asked.

Sankwasa also expressed concern regarding a sewer pipe that is leaking contaminated water into the river.

“This is sewer water running straight to the river, and it's so close to the pump there. How healthy and clean is the water in Rundu? Those in town can easily say NamWater is treating the water, but what about those along the riverside who just draw the water from the river directly?”

The minister also touched on the behaviour of some Rundu residents who persist in dumping trash around the town.