Works and transport minister John Mutorwa said there should be fairness and equity in all regions in terms of road infrastructure for no one to be left out. This is as the Roads Authority (RA) have announced a N$15 billion strategic plan.
Mutorwa made these remarks on Wednesday at the launch of the RA’s Integrated Strategic Business Plan (ISBP) for the 2022/23 to 2026/27 period.
“Our needs are more with scarce resources, but let us not make this an excuse. I’m happy the launched plan is aligned to the country’s major policies and goals. There should be inclusivity in our projects; at least there should be something happening in every region,” he urged at the launch of the five-year ISBP that includes some N$15 billion in projects.
The RA’s core business is to construct and maintain Namibia’s roads sector, and this plays a pivotal role in the country’s road safety. Namibia’s roads network has been ranked as the safest, most efficient and sustainable in Africa. The growth of the roads infrastructure and the expansion of the road network have contributed immensely to domestic economic development.
Mutorwa said transport infrastructure and services remain crucial for generating economic growth and alleviating poverty, hence its development and sustainability remain crucial.
RA CEO Conrad Lutombi elaborated that the N$15 billion will be realised through the Road Fund Administration (RFA) that is expected to deliver N$10.27 billion, as government will provide N$2.78 billion and N$1.22 billion is expected to come through loans and grants.
He added that the RA has a goal to strengthen Namibia’s position as a regional transport and logistics hub.
“Namibia is in distress, which translates into a scenario whereby more needs to be done with less available resources. Robust financial planning, monitoring and reporting mechanisms must be implemented to ensure that critical projects are completed to high-quality standards,” said Lutombi.
The RA CEO said the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in a reduction of cross-border trade and associated revenues. Hence, priority projects must be completed first.
Listing some of the upcoming road projects, Lutombi noted that the plan targets to upgrade 700km to bitumen standard, construct 215km to gravel standard, rehabilitate 410km, reduce unsurfaced roads in unacceptable condition from 49% to 38%, limit to a maximum 10% surfaced roads in unacceptable condition, and increase NaTIS registering authorities by nine. All these projects are aimed to be completed by
2027.
In the meantime, the RA has five big projects scheduled to be completed in 2024, including the Windhoek to Hosea Kutako International Airport and Windhoek to Okahandja dual carriageways.