KATIMA MULILO – The construction of the Makanga-Masida access road is progressing well despite several logistical and environmental setbacks, Roads Authority (RA) CEO Conrad Lutombi stated. 

“We visited this project to familiarise ourselves with the progress and challenges being experienced. So far, we are pleased with the work being done on both the Makanga and Masida sections,” he noted.

Lutombi said various sections of the road have advanced up to the sub-base level, while others remain at the roadbed stage due to delays caused by the relocation of essential services, including electrical lines and water pipelines. 

“These activities caused a bit of delay, but we are still on track,” he added.

One of the key challenges affecting progress is access to borrow pits’ sites from which construction materials such as gravel are sourced. Unfortunately, the identified borrow pits fall within land owned by local community members. This has required negotiations and compensation, in line with the national compensation policy.

“The community has been very patient, and we are grateful for that. However, we must finalise these compensation arrangements, especially because this road forms part of a presidential pledge,” said Lutombi.

Another concern raised involved payment delays to the contractor. 

“This project is government-funded, and we have assured the contractor that payments will be made on time,” he said.

Weather conditions have likewise presented difficulties, with heavy rains earlier this year affecting certain parts of the construction zone. Nevertheless, Lutombi observed that the emerging SME contractor on the project remains confident of completing the road by August 2025.

“We are encouraged by the contractor’s feedback. Despite the rains and other hurdles, he is on track to meet the completion,” said Lutombi.

The Makanga-Masida road forms part of broader efforts to improve rural access and infrastructure in the Zambezi region, with a focus on facilitating access to basic services, markets and opportunities for local communities. 

-anakale@nepc.com.na