Roads Authority closes flood-damaged roads in ||Kharas Region
The Roads Authority Namibia has temporarily closed several roads in the ||Kharas Region after heavy rainfall, and flooding caused significant damage, while TransNamib has issued a warning over risks to rail infrastructure.
The Roads Authority said multiple district and main roads have become unsafe for travel, with motorists urged to proceed with caution and use designated alternative routes.
Among the affected routes is District Road 205 (DR205), linking DR269 to DR204, with motorists advised to divert via Trunk Road TR0301 from Ariamsvlei to Grünau, then connect to TR0102 and Main Road 26 north of Ariamsvlei.
District Road 269 (DR269) north of Ariamsvlei has also been closed, with the same alternative routes recommended.
Further disruptions have been reported along Main Road 25 (MR25) between Karasburg and Aroab, specifically from kilometre 80 to kilometre 117, with traffic redirected via TR0301, TR0102 and MR26.
In the southern parts of the region, District Road 462 (DR462) between TR4/1 and DR463 has been closed, with a diversion via TR0401 from Keetmanshoop to Goageb, and parts of DR463 are restricted to 4x4 vehicles.
Closures have also been implemented on District Road 463 (DR463) south of Bethanie, with traffic rerouted via TR0401 from Keetmanshoop to Aus and MR118 towards Rosh Pinah.
Similarly, District Road 459 (DR459) from Goageb towards Rosh Pinah has been shut, with motorists advised to use TR0401 and MR118 as alternatives.
The authority said District Road 417 between M0031 and D0421 remains closed with no alternative route available, while motorists using District Road 421 are advised to divert via DR0403.
The Roads Authority said it is actively monitoring conditions and will carry out assessments and repairs once it is safe to do so, urging motorists to avoid flooded roads and adhere to road closure signage.
TransNamib appeal
At the same time, TransNamib has warned that flooding is also affecting the country’s rail network.
On 5 April, the rail operator issued a public notice urging citizens to report washaways, damage and safety concerns affecting rail infrastructure as heavy rains continue to impact sections of the network.
“Call 081 958 2002 to report any washaways, damage, or safety concerns affecting rail infrastructure immediately,” the notice reads.
TransNamib said the public should contact its 24/7 Operational Command Centre to ensure a swift response, particularly in remote areas where damage may not be immediately detected.
“Please contact our 24/7 Operational Command Centre to ensure swift response and safety. Your vigilance helps keep our rail network safe,” TransNamib says.
Flooding has repeatedly disrupted transport infrastructure in southern Namibia in recent years, with heavy rains in 2021, 2023 and 2025 causing washaways on both roads and rail lines across the ||Kharas Region. Low-water crossings and gravel roads in areas such as Karasburg, Aroab and Keetmanshoop have been particularly vulnerable, with vehicles occasionally stranded or swept off flooded sections after motorists attempted to cross submerged roads.
