The Otjiwarongo Mayor has pleaded for patience with residents, as the municipality is busy addressing damaged roads in the town. 

Gottlieb Shivute made this plea at the town's community meeting, where some residents demanded that the council fast-track the repairs, as potholes are an eyesore and a challenge to motorists.

Shivute says the rehabilitation and maintenance of all residential road projects will commence in the first week of April. 

Holidaymakers who travelled to various destinations have begun making their return, resulting in an influx of traffic on the national roads.

Many expressed their excitement about reuniting with family and friends for New Year's Eve celebrations after spending Christmas away from home.

Motorists exchanged well-wishes and spread holiday cheer.

Law enforcement officials were on hand to manage the increased flow of vehicles and ensure a smooth transition for travellers.

The Otjiwarongo Municipality has entered into an agreement with the Road Fund Administration and the Roads Authority to rehabilitate and upgrade the roads in the town.

Residents of Otjiwarongo have over the years complained about the state of the roads, especially because they have very large potholes.

Since the town is situated on the B1 road, heavy cargo trucks have to go through the town, worsening the already existing potholes.

The Minister of Works and Transport, John Mutorwa, tabled the motion in the National Assembly to minimise road damage and proposed that overloading offences be legalised as administrative ones.

The current legislative framework for road traffic and transport offences is the Road Traffic and Transport Act 1999 and the Criminal Procedure Act 1977, Act No. 51 of 1977.

Mutorwa raised his concerns, stating that the legislative regulatory framework for the Road Traffic and Transport Act is not fully complied with and acted in accordance with, making it inefficient.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Road Authority, Conrad Lutombi, says despite the limited resources at their disposal, they are working tirelessly to ensure that most roads in the Omaheke Region receive much-needed attention.

Gobabis, Aminuis, and Aranos roads are all still under construction, and by December this year, phase one of the road will be officially inaugurated.

The procurement process is being finalised for a 145-kilometre road linking Gobabis and Talismanus in the Otjombinde Constituency before ground work is expected to begin next year.

Delegates from the Democratic Republic of the Congo's various government road sector institutions are on a benchmarking visit to Namibia.

The visit, which aims at sharing technical skills on the maintenance of roads, is a partnership between Road Fund Administrators within SADC and other organisations such as the Walvis Bay Corridor Group to pass road maintenance skills to those that are linked to the transport hub concept.

A five-year memorandum of agreement to assist with rehabilitating and upgrading roads in Katima Mulilo was signed between the Katima Mulilo Town Council, Road Fund Administration and Roads Authority.

The town council's Chief Executive Officer Rafael Liswaniso said the long-awaited development would not only transform the town but also bring economic growth.

Improved road infrastructure enables connectivity and safe mobility, as well as contributes to economic development and growth.

Otavi residents will heave a sigh of relief as roads, will be upgraded this year to address the pothole issue within the town centre and informal areas.

Otavi Mayor, Isaac !Hoaeb revealed that over N$700 000 has been set aside to refurbish the roads.

!Hoaeb says the upgrading of the roads will be done in many key areas as little or no upgrade has taken place for years now, adding improved road networks will attract investors to the town.