Auleria Wakudumo 

ONDANGWA- The Ondangwa Town Council has officially launched a N$14.5 million road construction project in Extension 7, aimed at improving access to key institutions, easing congestion and boosting business growth in the town. 

The Mayor of Ondangwa Paavo Amwele said the project represents another milestone in the implementation of the council’s five-year strategic plan (2023-2028) and a contribution to national development priorities. 

“This project will not only benefit the residents of Extension 7 but also the public by improving mobility and providing easier access to key destinations. It is our hope that this development will attract private sector investment and accelerate growth in this area,” Amwele said.

The project, valued at N$14.5 million was awarded through a competitive bidding process in which nine contractors participated. 

It will include the construction of a 1,300-metre bitumen road from the Home Affairs Offices and Gwashamba Mall to Sun Square Mall.

 The project scope also covers the rehabilitation of the existing interlocked roadway bounding Sun Square Mall, installation of streetlights at the B1/Okapana/ Nored intersection and along the new road, a stormwater channel to divert water away from Sun Square, Ondangwa Private Hospital, Nored, and GIPF to the existing channel near Gwashamba mall and further to the oshana behind Uupopo informal settlement and the construction of a public parking area adjacent to Nored’s gardens.

The Ondangwa Chief Executive Officer Ismael Namgongo gihlighted that the project will reduce congestion around the busy Okapana Service Station area, improved pedestrian safety with designated crossings and traffic lights, enhance access to essential services such as Gwashamba mall, Sun Square mall, Ondangwa Private Hospital, home affairs offices, and Nored. It will serve as a dedicated drop-off and pick-up area for public transport operators serving the Extension 7 business district and Increase property values due to better accessibility. “The project will also improve stormwater management, addressing long-standing flooding near Sun Square mall and Ondangwa Private Hospital and create employment during and after construction, supported by long-term commercial growth in the area,” Namgongo assured. 

The CEO assured residents that the contractor selected met all the technical requirements and that Council’s technical team will ensure quality delivery. 

He further highlighted that the road is part of a wider programme that has already seen upgrades in Oluno (Extension 1), Extensions 16, 24, 25, and 26, with works also underway in Extension 28 (Onguta) and plans for Extension 17.