Windhoek faces N$2.67 billion roads backlog as City accelerates infrastructure projects
The City of Windhoek is facing a N$2.67 billion roads backlog, but ongoing projects and new technology aim to modernise services and improve infrastructure delivery.
The City of Windhoek is battling a staggering N$2.67 billion roads maintenance backlog, with deteriorating road surfaces, potholes, and ageing infrastructure posing mounting challenges to municipal service delivery.The scale of the problem was disclosed during the Pre-Stakeholders Engagement Meeting held on 6 August 2025, with representatives from the Windhoek West and East Communities, as well as the Windhoek Rate and Taxpayers Association.
Municipal officials said the City had received N$45 million in funding from the Road Fund Administration for the 2025/26 financial year. However, this figure falls far short of the N$384 million required annually to maintain and rehabilitate the capital’s road network to acceptable standards. Over 650 streets are currently marked by severe surface wear, potholes, and structural deformities that require urgent intervention.
Despite these challenges, the City has managed to repair over 26 000 potholes since February, using internal resources and two appointed contractors to ensure citywide coverage. Nevertheless, the backlog continues to grow, compounded by rain damage and the high cost of road-building materials.
Two key bridge culverts, already damaged and posing safety risks, are awaiting reconstruction at an estimated cost of N$30 million.
Pushing ahead
In response to the worsening state of infrastructure, the City is pushing ahead with several major road projects. These include the dualisation of Peter Nanyemba Road (formerly Monte Christo Road), Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Road (formerly Otjomuise Road), and Auas Road from the Truck Port to Mandume Ndemufayo Avenue. Officials stated that these corridors, once upgraded, would ease traffic congestion and reduce wear on nearby secondary roads.
Upgrades are also underway at key intersections across the city to address increased traffic volumes and improve pedestrian safety. Non-collector roads in high-density areas, such as Eveline Street, are being rehabilitated to support local business activity and enhance commuter mobility.
In the area of stormwater infrastructure, the City revealed that it needs an additional N$353 million, on top of regular road maintenance budgets, to respond to flood damage caused by the most recent rainy season. This includes restoring damaged culverts and drainage channels, particularly in areas vulnerable to flash flooding.
Meanwhile, progress is being made on other infrastructure fronts. Over 11 500 building plans were approved in the past financial year, representing a combined investment value of N$9.9 billion. These projects range from residential complexes to commercial and public infrastructure. The City is also piloting an online building submission system, which is currently undergoing final testing.
Public transport
Public transport remains another area of ongoing investment. The City transported approximately 1.6 million passengers over the past year, using a fleet of buses covering 30 routes. To modernise fare collection and reduce revenue leakages, an Automated Fare Collection system is set to be implemented before the end of the year.
Waste management continues to face challenges due to fleet shortages, with daily truck availability frequently below operational needs. Despite this, the City said it continues to collect over 55 000 green bins and 430 skip containers every week. It has also taken over the Clear-Bag recycling system from a private contractor, with a pilot phase now underway to assess its scalability.
As part of long-term planning, the City confirmed that public consultations on the draft Urban Structure Plan will begin on 19 August 2025. The plan will guide infrastructure investment and urban development across Windhoek’s rapidly growing population.