Windhoek
Government has promised to complete the work on the dual-carriage freeway of trunk road 9/1 and trunk road 1/6 between Windhoek and Okahandja by July.
Speaking to New Era on Friday after an inspection of the site, Deputy Minister of Works and Transport, Sankwasa James Sankwasa, expressed satisfaction with the pace of ongoing work.
“I am very confident that by the end of July this year the road will be ready to use,” said Sankwasa.
The construction started on January 13, 2014 and was expected to be completed in 15 months.
Sankwasa admitted that there have been delays to the project, which he attributed to several problems such as the issuance of work visas for key personnel on the project, the late arrival of earthmoving equipment and natural factors such as rain.
However, despite all the challenges Sankwasa said work is progressing well with earthworks and roadbed preparation advancing steadily. Sankwasa commended the contractors for the work done so far and pledged government’s continuous support.
The rationale behind the rehabilitation of the road emanates from certain factors such as congestion on the road during peak hours. The road covers 78 kilometres and work is being done in four sections in phases.
Section Two, which is currently a dual carriageway between Sam Nujoma Drive and Brakwater, will be repaired to extend its lifespan for 30 more years.
The Roads Authority is overseeing the project, while Grinaker-LTA is the appointed contractor.