The pothole-infested roads from Onethindi to Ondangwa and the Pupkewitz Oluno Toyota to the Magistrates’ Court have become a source of deep irritation and a hazard to motorists.

Some of the potholes at Onethindi have lately been filled with sand, while the one leading to the Magistrates’ Court has been left open, obliging motorists to drive around the potholes to avoid damaging their vehicles.
Preliminary investigations have shown that the two roads are the responsibility of the Roads Authority (RA). Ondangwa Chief Executive Officer, Martin Elago, earlier had told Informanté that the two kilometre stretch of road to the Magistrates’ Court is not their responsibility. Onethindi is located in Oniipa Constituency in Oshikoto region and the road in question is part of the main highway from Oshivelo to Ondangwa.
Irate motorists and residents in and around Onethindi are up in arms against the method of filling potholes with sand, claiming that this make- shift solution is a hazard. A note from concerned residents sent to the media specifically singled out and accused the RA of inconsiderate actions in the past, due to the dust arising from the poor maintenance work done in their area.
“Is the Roads Authority aware of health hazard caused by dust, threatening the community of Onethindi near Ondangwa? People have been inhaling clouds of dust for nearly two months now. When is this road going to be repaired?” the protest letter reads in part.
Approached for comment, the Public Relations Officer, Hileni Fillemon, confirmed that her company is fully aware of the conditions of the roads in question, but due to a lack of funds, they are unable to start with rehabilitation during this financial year. “Nonetheless, we are in the process of sourcing funds for the rehabilitation of the entire road between Oshivelo and Ondangwa. In the meantime, we would like to appeal to all motorists to exercise caution and refrain from speeding on these roads and to stick to the minimum speed limit.“