Road infrastructure in Otjiwarongo continues to worsen and needs urgent intervention from the local government authorities in the town.

The municipality of Otjiwarongo entered into an agreement with the Roads Authority and the Road Fund Administration to upgrade the road network in Otjiwarongo.

Good road network infrastructure provides a convenient and efficient mode of transportation for goods and services. This, in turn, makes goods and services more accessible to a larger group, leading to increased trade and commerce.

Vice President Nangolo Mbumba has indicated that there is a need for local authorities and regional councils to align their needs and secure funds for the overall development of the Zambezi Region.

Mbumba held a meeting with local and regional councillors at Katima Mulilo.

The Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technologies, Emma Theofelus, has called for strategic investments in digital transformation by local authorities.

The deputy minister made the call at the one-day Oranjemund Investment Conference, which was held under the theme 'Creating a Sustainable Future through Economic Diversification', to boost the town's profile as an investment hub.

The Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises, Iipumbu Shiimi, reiterated the significance of engaging with ||Kharas regional leadership during a meeting held in Keetmanshoop.

He emphasised the importance of consulting with stakeholders to effectively address and incorporate their budgetary needs.

The consultations with regional councillors and local authorities in the region are aimed at understanding the current pressing financial needs and planning for next year's budget.

The Road Fund Administration (RFA) has, over the past two years, doubled its funding allocations to local authorities, from N$104 million to N$216 million.

This, according to RFA CEO Ali Ipinge, is a demonstration of the institution's commitment to improving urban roads that have endured years of underfunding.

Ipinge says the institution's targets are only achievable if road users pay their fair share of road user charges and, through government support, keep the country's N$120 billion worth of road assets in good condition.

The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism is pleading with local authorities to adhere to the country's National Solid Waste Management Strategy for the well-being of their residents.

The Ministry's Spokesperson Romeo Muyunda noted that solid waste disposal remains a big challenge in municipalities and local authorities. 

He said the waste collection system at most municipalities is not up to standard.

Muyunda added that the ministry is also concerned with the manner in which dumpsites are created.

Popular Democratic Movement MP in the National Assembly Elma Dienda says Namwater should only write off the debts of local authorities that cannot afford to pay while those that have the capacity should do so.

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