Niël Terblanché
The Roads Authority has closed the MR118 gravel road between Rosh Pinah and Oranjemund at night due to rising water levels in the Orange River.
Spokesperson Hileni Fillemon said the road remains open during the day but will close overnight as a safety measure.
“While the road remains passable currently, the closure is necessary to ensure the safety of all road users,” she said.
Emergency vehicles will be allowed under strict supervision. Fillemon advised motorists to use alternative routes while the closure is in place.
One route is from Keetmanshoop via Aus and Lüderitz, using the Namdeb gravel road to reach Oranjemund.
This road is open to the public from 07h00 to 15h00 and is subject to Namdeb’s access rules.
Only light delivery vehicles and trucks are allowed, and use is at the driver’s own risk.
Another route is through South Africa.
This route involves travelling from Keetmanshoop via Grünau and Noordoewer, entering South Africa near Steinkopf, then continuing to Port Nolloth and Alexander Bay before re-entering Namibia via the Oppenheimer Bridge.
Fillemon said officials are monitoring the stretch between Oranjemund and Rosh Pinah closely as river levels rise.
“We will ensure public safety and will issue further communication at a later stage,” she said.
Data from the Hydrological Services of Namibia shows the Orange River is still rising. Water levels at Blouputs rose from 2.92 metres on 29 April to 6.19 metres by 6 May.
At Sendelingsdrift, levels increased from 2.66 metres to 5.86 metres during the same period.
The rise is linked to inflows from major South African dams.
The Vaal Dam, at 109.9% capacity, releases 307 cubic meters per second. The Bloemhof Dam discharges 801.2 cubic meters per second.
The Gariep and Van der Kloof dams are releasing 862.6 and 971.9 cubic metres per second, respectively.
The water level in the lower Orange River is expected to stay high for weeks.
The Oranjemund Town Council has introduced safety rules in response. Swimming or entering the river is not allowed.
“Access to the river and the surrounding flooded areas is strictly prohibited due to hazardous conditions. The ground near the riverbank is highly unstable and may collapse,” the council warned.
Authorities urged the public to stay alert as the rising water level could pose a danger to lives and infrastructure.
