LUHONONO – President Hage Geingob says roads infrastructure plays a pivotal role for the productivity, safety and future development of the country. The Head of State made these remarks on Friday during the official opening of the 52km Namalubi-Isize-Luhonono road in the Zambezi region.
Geingob said government is, therefore, committed to continue maintaining the country’s roads network, which he described as crucial for national security and economic development.
“Our commitment to road construction and maintenance speaks to our wider vision of transforming Namibia into a prosperous and industrial nation as outlined by Vision 2030 and our National Development Plans, which are buttressed by HPPI and HPPII,” he noted.
“I am, therefore, confident that this project, which is fully-funded by government at a total cost of N$740 million, will provide the people of Luhonono and the floodplains in the Kabbe North and South constituencies with the capacity to engage in commercial activities, thereby obtaining income and sustainable financial opportunities.”
The road, which is a replica of Zambia’s Mongu road, connects the floodplains of the Kabbe North and South constituencies to the mainland.
It was commissioned back in 2014, but took long to complete due to the challenges of seasonal floods.
Its budget also had to be readjusted in order to raise the road above the floodplains, while its designs included constructing culverts and bridges.
Previously, residents of the two Kabbe constituencies used to be cut off from services during floods and rainy seasons.
Geingob thus urged the residents of Luhonono and surrounding villages “to take good care of this valuable infrastructure.”
Former president Hifikepunye Pohamba, who commissioned the project towards the end of his reign, also graced the occasion.
Pohamba said he never believed that the project could be a success when it was first presented to him.
He also could not believe that such a road could be constructed in such a terrain.
“When I used to fly by helicopter around here, especially when it was flooded, you could see the water all over. Now where there’s a will, there is always a way. We have been willing that Luhonono should be connected to Katima, and this has been done,” beamed Pohamba.
Masubia Ngambela Albius Kamwi could not hide his excitement, and described the new development as the true meaning of service delivery and inclusive government. “With this road, we now understand the true meaning and spirit of the Namibian house,” he added.
Meanwhile, works minister John Mutorwa also officially opened the 4.5 kilometres Choto-Mafuta road on Tuesday in Katima Mulilo. He equally called on Katima residents to take good care of the road, while also staying safe and avoiding speeding.