Max Henrich
The Ministry of Works and Transport has allocated N$35 million for the construction of a much-needed district road connecting Omugulugwombashe national memorial heritage shrine to Tsandi, Okahao, and Outapi in the Omusati region.
For over two decades, villagers have endured the challenges posed by the bumpy 22km gravel road that connects Tsandi to the Omugulugwombashe settlement. This road has caused significant damage to vehicles, rendering them unfit for the road. The ministry’s decision to finance the construction comes as a relief to the local community.
John Mutorwa, the Minister of Works and Transport, highlighted the road’s importance beyond its practical function. Not only will it improve connectivity, but it also holds historical significance as it leads to the memorial national heritage site and shrine. The objective of the project is to upgrade the existing link to a two-lane, all-weather road with a low volume bitumen standard.
Mutorwa stressed the impact of developing rural roads on the national economy and social goals. “Development of rural roads form a strong base of our national economy, it is a powerful instrument for socio-economic transformation for the villages. The importance of providing rural access roads must not be undermined in the context of the attainment of our national economic and social goals. The positive impacts of providing rural roads, is they provide much needed opportunities for the villagers to come in contact with other groups of society and be part of the greater Namibian House,” emphasised Mutorwa.
The road construction aims to improve local rural and regional accessibility, reduce road user costs, travel times, and maintenance expenses while minimizing the environmental impact.
“The project will commence with phase one, which is 12 kilometres and phase two will cover the remaining 10 kilometres. Phase one will run for the next 10 months,” said Mutorwa.
He cautioned the contracted companies, Kambwa Construction (Pty) Ltd, Colas Namibia, and Luka Roads Rail & Civils, to prioritise employing local individuals from the project’s vicinity instead of hiring friends and family. Approximately 40 Namibians from the surrounding areas will be employed as labourers, ensuring that revenue generated from the project benefit the community and contribute to poverty alleviation and reduced unemployment.
David S David, the managing director of Kambwa Construction (Pty) Ltd, expressed his satisfaction in being entrusted with the road project and pledged to deliver it to the highest quality standards.
“We will get the job done,” said David.