Windhoek:Minister of Urban and Rural Development, James Sankwasa, has issued a warning to local authority councils regarding the financial assistance provided by the Road Fund Administration (RFA). He emphasized that this assistance is intended to supplement, not replace, their legal obligations to build and maintain municipal roads.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Sankwasa addressed the issue at the Urban Roads Management Conference in Windhoek, highlighting that under the Local Authorities Act of 1992, councils are primarily responsible for the upkeep of urban road networks within their jurisdictions. He stressed that road maintenance must be incorporated into the councils' budgeted programs and should not be dependent on external funding.
Sankwasa reminded attendees of Section 92 of the Local Authorities Act, which allows the Minister to intervene in councils that fail to adequately manage or maintain public infrastructure. He clarified that while he does not intend to use this power lightly, the contribution from the RFA is meant to aid local authorities in fulfilling their responsibilities, not to replace them.
The warning coincides with the RFA's commitment of approximately N$800 million to local authorities and regional councils for the 2026/27 financial year, aimed at enhancing urban road safety, connectivity, and accessibility. Sankwasa pointed out that roads under local authorities are a crucial component of the national road financing framework.
He urged a shift in focus towards sustainable urban road financing, highlighting the importance of collaboration among government institutions, local authorities, and road-sector stakeholders. Sankwasa called for accountability and measurable results in road maintenance investments, emphasizing that maintaining Namibia's urban roads is a national responsibility.
Finally, he encouraged the conference to formulate practical recommendations to address funding gaps and influence future policy and funding decisions, underlining the significance of well-maintained roads for economic growth and opportunities in urban areas.