Maria David
THE Roads Authority (RA) has announced to the public that Main Road 118 (MR118), from Rosh Pinah to Oranjemund, will be closed on Wednesday during the evening hours.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, RA spokesperson Hileni Fillemon said that this is being done as a precautionary measure due to rising water levels from the Orange River, which are anticipated to overtop the road during the night.
“While the road remains passable at the moment, the closure is necessary to ensure the safety of all road users. Emergency services will be allowed through under strict supervision,” she said.
She then urged the public to use the following alternative detour routes, such as via Aus and Lüderitz (Namdeb Road): From Keetmanshoop via Aus and Lüderitz, take the gravel road to Oranjemund.
Fillemon indicated that the road will be open strictly between 07h00 and 15h00 daily to public traffic, but it is subject to Namdeb’s rules and regulations.
She stressed that using the road will be at motorists’ own risk. In addition, only Light Delivery Vehicles (LDVs) and trucks are permitted — no sedans or light vehicles.
Further, Fillemon noted that the public can also use the Noordoewer and South Africa route: From Keetmanshoop via Grünau and Noordoewer, cross into South Africa towards Steinkopf, then proceed to Port Nolloth and Alexander Bay and enter Namibia via the Oppenheimer Bridge to Oranjemund.
She indicated that the RA is committed to ensuring public safety and will issue further communication at a later stage.
