Roads Authority chief Conrad Lutombi plans to explore upgrading the Otavi-Otjiwarongo road into a two-plus road because of high accident rates. This particular stretch claimed more than 20 lives during the previous year. Lutombi explained that reckless driving caused these deaths rather than any problems with the road itself. Most crashes happen because drivers speed excessively on this busy route.
Traffic converges heavily from multiple directions, including the coast, Omaruru, and the Trans-Zambezi corridor. Lutombi noted the substantial traffic volume creates dangerous conditions. He stated clearly that nothing seemed wrong with the actual road construction or design. Accidents typically result from head-on collisions when drivers attempt risky passing maneuvers, travel at unsafe speeds, or drive after drinking alcohol.
The proposed upgrade would resemble the Windhoek-Okahandja dual carriageway project, which costs approximately N$2.8 billion. Lutombi acknowledged many people died on this dangerous stretch of highway. The Roads Authority lacks the financial resources needed for immediate construction despite recognizing the urgent safety concerns. The agency continues investigating potential solutions despite budget limitations.
Last November, seven people burned beyond recognition about 15km north of Otjiwarongo. An August 2024 crash between an Intercape bus and an Iveco passenger bus resulted in multiple deaths near the same area. Two female passengers died following that collision - one at the scene and another during hospital transport. Four additional people died last year when a Polo sedan tried passing a truck and crashed into a seven-seater.
The most recent fatal accident occurred Sunday afternoon when two men died, and two others suffered serious injuries. Police reports indicate the driver lost control, attempting to pass another vehicle before the crash. Three passengers were ejected from the vehicle during impact. Officials identified the victims as Jacob Hamutenya, age 36, manager at Agro-Marketing and Trade Agency Ongwediva office, and Abner Kandjimbi, age 31. Doctors admitted the other two passengers to Otjiwarongo Hospital for treatment.
Traffic converges heavily from multiple directions, including the coast, Omaruru, and the Trans-Zambezi corridor. Lutombi noted the substantial traffic volume creates dangerous conditions. He stated clearly that nothing seemed wrong with the actual road construction or design. Accidents typically result from head-on collisions when drivers attempt risky passing maneuvers, travel at unsafe speeds, or drive after drinking alcohol.
The proposed upgrade would resemble the Windhoek-Okahandja dual carriageway project, which costs approximately N$2.8 billion. Lutombi acknowledged many people died on this dangerous stretch of highway. The Roads Authority lacks the financial resources needed for immediate construction despite recognizing the urgent safety concerns. The agency continues investigating potential solutions despite budget limitations.
Last November, seven people burned beyond recognition about 15km north of Otjiwarongo. An August 2024 crash between an Intercape bus and an Iveco passenger bus resulted in multiple deaths near the same area. Two female passengers died following that collision - one at the scene and another during hospital transport. Four additional people died last year when a Polo sedan tried passing a truck and crashed into a seven-seater.
The most recent fatal accident occurred Sunday afternoon when two men died, and two others suffered serious injuries. Police reports indicate the driver lost control, attempting to pass another vehicle before the crash. Three passengers were ejected from the vehicle during impact. Officials identified the victims as Jacob Hamutenya, age 36, manager at Agro-Marketing and Trade Agency Ongwediva office, and Abner Kandjimbi, age 31. Doctors admitted the other two passengers to Otjiwarongo Hospital for treatment.
