Zebaldt Ngaruka
GOBABIS – Otjombinde constituency councillor Wenzel Kavaka says the upgrading of Tallismanus road will bring the much-needed development to the settlement and the Omaheke region at large.
The upgrading of the Main Road (MR 119) is valued at N$500 million, and covers 145km, with an average daily traffic flow of 71 vehicles.
The five-year project will be constructed in five phases, and is expected to be completed in 2028.
Kavaka, speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony held on Friday, said the commencement of the long-awaited road is a key step to breaking the bottleneck of the constituency and region’s development.
“It has been long-overdue. I am confident that after its completion, this road will undoubtedly improve our condition, reduce the travel time, and cut down on road accidents,” said the councillor.
The MR 119 upgrade will also effectively improve the investment environment, promote employment, and create a modern economic corridor.
“Transportation infrastructure is crucial to the economy and social development of the nation. It will drive development along the road, and provide a solid foundation for the socio-economic development of Otjombinde,” he added. The Swapo councillor emphasised that this road, although some people may perhaps deem it an exaggeration, is considered the lifeline for rural communities.
Kavaka said the road would play an important role in poverty alleviation, enable transportation of people, their materials and goods, lead to diversification of agricultural activities, and boost the region’s economy.
On his part, transport minister and Deputy Prime Minister John Mutorua said it is a known fact that roads are the arteries of humankind, its cities, towns and villages.
“An adequate roads network is essential for facilitating poverty reduction through improved access to markets, food security, healthcare, education and places of social and economic importance,” he said.
Mutorua said the government recognised that transportation is one of the best investments it can make to expand opportunity and prosperity to more Namibians.
“As I mentioned previously, service delivery is the most crucial task for our government. We are committed to providing roads that will lead to better access to electricity, clean water and government services,” he continued.
The deputy PM added that Tallismanus is the central business hub in the Omaheke region.
“This constituency forms part of the border between Namibia and Botswana, which also contains the Eiseb, Helena and Rietfontein settlements.
Therefore, this geographical description provides the basis for the significance of this project,” said the minister.
He emphasised that the upgrading of the road to low-volume seal standard will improve the quality of life of the residents.
The socio-economic factors in the Tallismanus area consist of schools, clinics, government offices, churches, an auction pen and pension pay points.
“Agriculture is the main economic activity, comprising both commercial and communal farming, with a few hunting and guest farms in the vicinity.
Thus, the residents in the area depend on road transport,” Mutorua added.
MR 119 starts at Trunk Road, 73km east of Gobabis, and connects to the Buitepos border post between Namibia and Botswana.