IMPALILA – The construction of the low-volume seal road at Impalila Island in the Zambezi region is set to be completed in July. Road Authority CEO Conrad Lutombi announced this during a site visit with works and transport minister John Mutorwa on Friday.
The completion of the road has been delayed due to various challenges, including challenges to transport materials to the island, as they have to be transported via Botswana and be ferried to the island. The other challenge is that of heavy rains which has been pouring in the past
months.
However, despite of the challenges, Mutorwa stated that he was satisfied with the progress made so far. He added that Impalila has the potential to become a business hub and in turn increase trade with other countries.
“There are many people who live and work here; there are government infrastructures and private infrastructure, therefore, the island has the potential to be fully developed and connected to the main areas of the country,” stated Mutorwa.
According to Lutombi, in partnership with the contractor, they managed to procure a ferry which is being used to transport materials, and that the same ferry will be used for further projects.
“Our intention is to use that barge to haul material from Impalila to Kasika so that we can use that material as we are constructing that section between Kasika and Nakabolelwa, particularly when it comes to the drainage structure. In a nutshell, we are very happy with the progress so far, and by July, the road will be completed,” stated Lutombi.
The construction of the N$60 million, 25-kilometre project will include minor access roads to public institutions, as well as upgrading of the loading port. The project employs 136 people, excluding managerial staff.
Nexus Group project manager Werner van Zyl vowed to work around the clock and deliver quality outcome.