The construction of the new freeway between Windhoek and the Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA) is expected to be concluded in the next three years. This is according to Roads Authority (RA) CEO Conrad Lutombi, who was speaking at the site handing over last week to commence the construction of the third and last phase of the project, known as Phase 2B. This phase will be financed through a grant from the People’s Republic of China to the Namibian government at approximately N$1.035 billion.
The section commences at the Dordabis interchange and continues in an easterly direction up to HKIA, covering a distance of 21.3 kilometres. Lutombi noted that works of Phase 2B include the construction of the 21.3 kilometres of dual-carriage freeway, three interchanges to be located at Dordabis, Sonnleiten and HKIA, and two river bridges and drainage structures.
“The Namibian government will be responsible for costs related to the leasing and maintenance of the contractors’ and engineers’ site camps. N$120 million will be spent on Namibian contractors and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) contractors, while approximately 270 jobs will be created for Namibians during the construction period of this phase,” explained Lutombi.
The Windhoek-HKIA road project is part of the Harambee Prosperity Plan ll and is also aligned to the fifth National Developmental Plan (NDP5). The government, through the RA, will continue to develop and maintain corridor development routes that promote trade, he added.
According to the RA CEO, Namibia’s economy is exceptionally dependent on exports and imports through the transport system. Hence, once completed, this dual carriageway is expected to support the economy by allowing quicker and alternative movements to and from Windhoek to the rest of the country. “The dual carriageway will also improve our links to the new SADC Gateway Port at Walvis Bay,” said Lutombi.
In addition, the upgrading is anticipated to improve the flow of traffic between Windhoek and HKIA, and will likewise enhance safety on the vital and busy stretches of road forming part of the important Walvis Bay Corridor.
Meanwhile, the CEO commented that phase one of the project is nearly complete at 98%. This phase starts from the Sam Nujoma interchange (on the existing Western Bypass) and follows an easterly alignment past UNAM, the Auas interchange and the Robert Mugabe interchange on the eastern side, ending near the Old Age Home in Auasblick. This phase covers approximatley 10 kilometres, and is fully funded by the Namibian government. Also, Phase 2A is currently ongoing, and is 44% completed. This section of the road continues from the Old Age Home in Auasblick, and takes an easterly direction up to the Dordabis interchange, covering a distance of 19.5Km. -mndjavera@nepc.com.na