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Mutorwa re-emphasises significance of rural roads

Mutorwa re-emphasises significance of rural roads

BUKALO – In a decisive step toward rural development, the Namibian government has officially launched the construction of the Bukalo-Muyako-Ngoma and Sikanjabuka-Sizimbukwato roads. The initiative, spearheaded by Works and Transport Minister John Mutorwa, is a testament to the country’s commitment to connecting rural communities and fostering economic growth.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, he underscored the critical role of road infrastructure in national development, particularly in remote areas where access to markets, schools and healthcare services remains a challenge.

“The burden is to connect our villages, constituencies and production areas—where we farm and have our livestock and grains, both for our own consumption and for the market. You need roads to take your goods to the markets in town. We need rural feeder roads like this one,” he stated.

With a combined length of 75 kilometres, these roads will be upgraded to low-volume seal standards, replacing the poorly-maintained gravel roads that have long hampered mobility in the Katima Rural constituency. Once completed, they will ensure all-weather accessibility to critical institutions in communities such as Silumbi, Muyako, Mahundu, Ibbu, Mutikitila, Ioma, Isuswa and Sizimbukwa.

The project will be executed in phases, with phase 1 covering 10 kilometres from Bukalo to Tololi village. This phase, funded by the Government of Namibia and the Road Fund Administration, comes at an estimated cost of N$37 million, and is set for completion within a year.

Importantly, 15% of the total contract price will be allocated to SME contractors as part of the government’s strategy to develop local expertise and provide hands-on training. Additionally, over 250 temporary jobs will be created, and materials will be sourced locally to stimulate the regional economy.

Mutorwa reaffirmed Namibia’s progress in road infrastructure development, citing projects such as the Walvis Bay and Trans-Zambezi corridors. However, he acknowledged that financial constraints prevent the simultaneous execution of all planned road projects.

“Due to limited financial resources and the vastness of our country, we cannot implement all projects at once. However, our government remains committed to national progress and heeding the calls of rural communities for better road infrastructure. This is not just an obligation; it is an investment in our people,” he emphasised.

Roads Authority CEO Conrad Lutombi said, the tender process for this project was rigorous.

“Ten bidders submitted proposals, which were evaluated by the Bid Evaluation Committee. However, the recommended bidder’s total construction price of N$44.1 million exceeded our threshold of N$30 million. As a result, we referred the bid to the Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) on 20 August 2024. On 5 September 2024, the CPBN decided to cancel the bid and restart the process,” Lutombi stated.

A new bid was re-advertised on an emergency basis on 14 October 2024, with the same 10 bidders invited to resubmit. After a competitive and transparent evaluation process, Enigma Engineering CC was selected as the successful contractor on 23 January 2025. The total cost of the project is expected to exceed N$500 million.

Mutorwa reminded the appointed contractors of their responsibility, stressing that their selection was based purely on merit.

“You were not selected due to favouritism, but based on the strength of your submission, your expertise, professionalism and capabilities. So, do the work,” he urged. As construction commences, the roads are set to transform rural accessibility, connecting businesses to markets and communities to opportunities, bridging long-standing gaps in Namibia’s rural infrastructure.