TSES – Transport minister John Mutorwa said apart from transporting goods and services, roads are a link between people to share their traditions and cultures in Namibia.
He said this while inaugurating the recently- rehabilitated TR1/3 section of the B1 road stretching between Tses (//Kharas region) and the Gochas intersection (Hardap region) earlier this week.
“They should furthermore facilitate diverse social, cultural and traditional interactions between citizens in the country,” he said.
He added that the occasion marked a significant milestone in the government’s ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure nationwide.
“This project represents not just a physical road, but a vital artery that will enhance connectivity, promote economic growth and improve the quality of life for our communities in both the //Kharas and Hardap regions, as well as Namibia at large,” he said.
He continued: “Roads are the lifelines of our communities.
They connect us; facilitate trade and commerce; provide access to education and healthcare, and enable us to explore and experience the full richness of our country”.
He also emphasised that a significant portion of the works was constructed by seven local small and medium enterprises (SMEs), including the bulk of all drainage works, fencing, clearing, grubbing, application of the first slurry, and other ancillary works.
“Moreover, I was informed that a total expenditure of N$73.1 million (13.5%) was spent on SMEs, exceeding the SME participation target of 12.5%, or N$59.5 million.
In addition, a further N$31.1 million was spent on other Namibian sub-contractors, and N$104 million on Namibian suppliers,” the minister said.
In her remarks, //Kharas governor Aletha Frederick said: “Quality roads are essential for economic development.
They facilitate trade, enhance access to markets and ultimately contribute to national prosperity. By investing in our road networks, we are laying the foundation for future growth”.
Meanwhile, her Hardap counterpart Salomon April reiterated that “Goods roads have and will always contribute towards a country’s gross domestic product, as they enhance growth in various sectors of the economy”.