Rising River Forces Temporary Closure of Rosh Pinah-Oranjemund Road. The Roads Authority (RA) has announced the temporary closure of Main Road 118 (MR118) between Rosh Pinah and Oranjemund starting at 18:00 today. The decision was made as a precautionary measure due to rising water levels in the Orange River, which are expected to overtop the road overnight.
In a public notice, the RA emphasized that the closure is necessary to ensure public safety. Only emergency service vehicles will be permitted to pass through, and only under strict supervision.
Motorists traveling in the affected region are advised to use one of two alternative routes:
- Via Aus and Lüderitz (Namdeb Road) – Travelers from Keetmanshoop can proceed through Aus and Lüderitz, then take the gravel road to Oranjemund. This detour is open to public traffic strictly between 07:00 and 15:00 daily. The route falls under Namdeb’s control, and road users must comply with all regulations. Only Light Delivery Vehicles (LDVs) and trucks are permitted on this stretch — sedans and lighter vehicles are not allowed. Usage is at the motorist’s own risk.
- Via Noordoewer and South Africa – Another option is to travel from Keetmanshoop via Grünau and Noordoewer into South Africa, continue through Steinkopf to Port Nolloth and Alexander Bay, and re-enter Namibia at Oranjemund via the Oppenheimer Bridge.
The Roads Authority stated it remains committed to public safety and will continue monitoring the situation closely. Updates will be shared through official media channels and RA social media platforms.