Dr Hifikepunye Pohamba Freeway officially opened
Coastal road also set for upgrade
The new freeway could drastically reduce traffic accidents, authorities say.
President Nangolo Mbumba officially opened the MR44 Dr Hifikepunye Pohamba Freeway, which connects Walvis Bay to Swakopmund on the route behind Dune 7, on Friday.Phase 1 and its extension were officially inaugurated, while Phase 2 – connecting the road to the Diaz Circle in Walvis Bay – is currently under construction.
“As president, his astuteness and steady-handed leadership consolidated democracy, peace and stability in our nation. Under his leadership, Namibia continued to undergo consistent economic development and transformation. It is therefore fitting that we name this modern and strategic road after such a distinguished ‘Son of the Soil'."
Mbumba also highlighted the project’s economic impact, stating that 40 local suppliers, 11 SME subcontractors, and approximately 650 local workers were involved in the construction.
“N$200 million was spent on local suppliers (N$150 million) and SME subcontractors (N$50 million).”
Making connections
Lily Brandt, chairperson of the Roads Authority's board of directors, explained that the road forms part of the Trans-Kalahari, Trans-Kunene and Trans-Zambezi highway networks, linking the coastal towns, Windhoek and northern towns to other SADC countries.
“It is well documented that we have experienced numerous motor vehicle accidents on MR52 (the coastal road between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay),” Brandt said.
“Now that this freeway is completed, traffic, especially heavy vehicles, will be diverted from the coastal road, significantly reducing road accidents. Moreover, this new freeway will play an important role in meeting the challenges of increasing freight movement from the Port of Walvis Bay to inland destinations and neighbouring countries using the port.”
She added that the construction of the project was divided into four phases.
Phases
“Phase 1 is a freeway from Trunk Road 2/2 up to Farm 58. This 30 km stretch included the construction of a dual carriageway, two interchange bridges (on Main Road 52), and two bridges over the Swakop River.”
Construction commenced in June 2016 and was successfully completed and opened to traffic in October 2020 at a total cost of N$1 billion.
Brandt explained that the Phase 1 extension continued from Farm 58 to the junction of Main Road 44 and Main Road 36.
Construction began in February 2020 and was successfully completed and opened to traffic in October 2024, at a total cost of N$827 million.
Regarding Phase 2, which extends from the junction of Main Road 44 and Main Road 36 to the Walvis Bay traffic circle, construction of the eight-kilometre road to freeway standards commenced in September 2024, with an expected completion date of mid-2025.
“The final Phase 3 will cover the rehabilitation of Main Road 52 (the coastal road between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay). This 30-kilometre road will also be upgraded to freeway standards. Construction is expected to commence in April 2026 and be completed in April 2028. This entire project is fully funded by the Namibian government," Brandt explained.