BRAKWATER – Several projects being implemented by the government are an indication Namibia is moving forward, says President Hifikepunye Pohamba.
“In the past few days, I have had the opportunity to officiate at the launching of government-funded strategic national projects, including the groundbreaking for the construction of roads, the National Mass Housing Programme, as well as several development projects initiated by the private sector. These are all indications that as a country, we are moving forward.” The government will continue implementing development policy programmes to create employment opportunities and empower Namibians economically, the president further said. He was speaking at a ceremony earlier this week to rehabilitate and upgrade to bitumen standard the 78km of a dual carriageway, trunk road 1/6 between Windhoek and Okahandja to be funded by the government through the Roads Authority (RA) at a cost of N$239.7 million. Work on the road will start early next year. “After completion, this project will transform the road between Windhoek and Okahandja into a modern dual carriageway,” Pohamba said. “This development is significant in many ways. First, it will improve the flow of traffic between Windhoek and Okahandja. Secondly, it will enhance safety on this vital and busy stretch of road, which also forms part of the important Walvis Bay Corridor. This road is a major artery for trade and commerce in our country,” the president said. Pohamba further said the government has decided to mobilize resources for the upgrading of this road to a modern and safer dual carriageway, because of its strategic importance. “By improving our roads and railways, we are enhancing our country’s competitiveness as the gateway for the transit of imports and exports, especially for the land-locked countries in the southern African sub-region,” reiterated the president. “As a developing country, we must continue to make these efforts towards the achievement of our national development plans, which are the building blocks towards Vision 2030,” stressed Pohamba. “I wish to reassure the nation that our government is fully committed to the expansion and maintenance of our road network to the highest standards. We wish to ensure that the resources invested in these projects are utilized efficiently to achieve the desired results.” He further revealed that plans are also underway to upgrade the Windhoek-Hosea Kutako International Airport road, the Windhoek to Rehoboth road, the Swakopmund to Walvis Bay road and the Omuthiya to Ongwediva road to dual carriageways. “Such investments will not only bring about significant reductions in traffic congestion, they will also greatly improve road safety on these vital transport arteries in our country,” observed the Head of State.
He said he was pleased to learn that the upgrading of trunk road 1/6 between Windhoek and Okahandja will include the construction of pedestrian bridges on the section of the road known as the Windhoek Western Bypass, which is notorious for many fatal road traffic accidents. “This is one of the busiest roads in our country. Too many lives have been lost in vehicle accidents. We hope that the upgrading of this road will address this serious problem once completed,” he said. He further urged all road users to observe and obey the rules of the road at all times. “Motorists must desist from driving while under the influence of alcohol and respect fellow road users,” he warned. He further adviced road users to become part of the Decade of Action for Road Safety and to make a positive difference. “Road safety is the responsibility of each and every road user,” he said. On his part the Minister of Works and Transport, Erkki Nghimtina commended the government for availing funds for the project that will change the face of the road network entirely. “Undoubtedly, this indicates the government’s continuous commitment to keep up with international trends and the standard development of road infrastructure.” The project which is divided in four sections will be constructed in phases and traverses the Khomas and Otjozondjupa regions. Section one will entailed the construction of the second carriageway between Auas road and main road 52 connecting with Sam Nujoma Drive, while section two of the project will entail the rehabilitation of the current dual carriageway from Sam Nujoma Drive to Brakwater.
During section three of the project the current Western Bypass will be extended northwards from Brakwater to Döbra, while section four will continue with the freeway all the way to Okahandja, passing Okahandja via the Okahandja Western Bypass, linking the existing roads to Otjiwarongo and Karibib. The main contractor on the project is Grinaker LTA Namibia, while VKE Namibia was appointed as the Consulting Engineers and the road is expected to be completed in a 15-month period starting next year January.
The project is also expected to create an estimated 250 to 300 jobs.
By Kuzeeko Tjitemisa