Freeway officially inaugurated
Only Category A road in Namibia
The Windhoek-Okahandja highway has been reclassified and upgraded from a B1 to an A1 road per road classification standards.
President Nangolo Mbumba inaugurated the dual carriageway, the only Category A road in Namibia, at the Gross Barmen Interchange last week, stating: “The opening of this dual carriageway is a testament to our commitment as government to develop Namibia’s road infrastructure to promote economic growth and facilitate mobility for Namibian citizens and visitors. At a total cost of N$2.8 billion, government and the Road Fund Administration have upgraded this 71 km stretch to a dual carriageway.”On average, about 4 000 cars and trucks use the highway every day.
Construction of the highway began in 2014, with former President Hifikepunye Pohamba mandating that the final product meet the highest quality standards.
Mbumba continued: “Previously, this stretch suffered from congestion during peak hours due to its limited capacity. I still remember the long traffic jams to and from Windhoek during rush hour and especially during holiday periods. Thanks to our former President Dr. Hifikepunye Pohamba, under whom this project was started, and our late President Dr. Hage Geingob, who took over from President Pohamba and continued it amidst financial and economic challenges, the project was made a reality.”
The project has been divided into three sections to cover different routes, with the final section stretching from the Omakunde River to the roads at Otjiwarongo and Karibib.
“This highway will play a pivotal role in supporting the Namibian economy, as it will enable safe and fast transport times to and from the capital to the rest of the country.
“With its central location as a link to the Trans-Kalahari, Trans-Caprivi, Trans-Cunene and Trans-Oranje corridors, the highway also strengthens Namibia's position as a gateway for the landlocked countries of SADC, enabling efficient and effective freight transport via the port of Walvis Bay,” Mbumba said.
According to the President, Namibia is one of the African countries with the best road infrastructure. “The construction of the Okahandja-Windhoek highway will further improve Namibia's position internationally and contribute to regional integration by increasing trade and investment within the SADC Free Trade Area.”