Gobabis
The tarring of the 48km gravel road between Du Plessis Plaas and Epukiro Pos 3 (Omaueyozonjanda) in the Omaheke Region is expected to start early next year.
Speaking to New Era, Omaheke Regional Governor Festus Ueitele said the construction of the road would start during the 2016/2017 financial year, with a view to commencing in May. He said N$10 million has been set aside to upgrade the road to a bitumen standard.
Yesterday, Roads Authority (RA) chief corporate communication officer Hileni Fillemon could not confirm the exact date of the commencement of construction on the new road.
News of the envisaged upgrade has sparked excitement among motorists in the area though. Public transport driver Michael Katjitnaani told New Era that his mini-bus has had to be repaired countless times, because of damage caused by the road.
“That road is a nightmare for all of us. The news is welcome, as many lives are being lost due to the bad condition of the road,” he said.
He said the tarring of the road was long overdue, but for now he would not be celebrating yet, as this might turn out to be another election campaign tactic.
Another public transport driver in the area, Ndumbii Tjituka, said he was very happy about the new development.
“The upgrading of the road will reduce travelling hours and petrol costs and will minimise damage to our vehicles,” he said, adding that the announcement is indeed very good news for commuters and drivers.