Rundu: The government has approved N. dollars 108 million to tackle Rundu's long-standing stormwater drainage crisis, Governor of the Kavango East Region Hamunyera Hambyuka announced on Monday.According to Namibia Press Agency, Hambyuka stated at the site handover ceremony in Rundu that the funds will be used to rehabilitate damaged stormwater infrastructure and restore affected areas in Tutungeni, where recurring flooding and expanding sinkholes have severely disrupted residents' lives. 'China Henan International Cooperation Group (CHICO) has been awarded the tender to fill the sinkholes and upgrade the drainage system in the area,' he said.The announcement follows a visit last month by the Minister of Urban and Rural Development James Sankwasa to assess worsening soil erosion in the town. During the visit, Sankwasa urged regional and local authorities to act swiftly to prevent further land collapse and infrastructure damage along the Kavango River. He directed regional leaders to obtain three quotations and submit an emergency procurement request to the Ministry of Finance, citing the rapid expansion of sinkholes and the escalating risk they posed.Hambyuka confirmed that the required quotations were submitted as instructed, and on 20 February, the region received confirmation that the tender to address the sinkholes and stormwater drainage had been awarded to CHICO. Meanwhile, Rundu Mayor Andreas Jikerwa welcomed the development, describing it as the result of close cooperation between his office, the governor's office, and the councillor of the Rundu Urban Constituency. He also expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Finance and Sankwasa for their swift response in facilitating the tender award and enabling work to commence.