RA says N$2b road will be done by 2024
The Namibian Roads Authority (RA) confirmed that the newly-constructed Windhoek-Okahandja road, worth N$2 billion, will be completed by May next year.According to the RA, the road will provide access to and from Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, and all roads leading to and from Ovitoto. It will also provide entry to the Osona military base and village.
RA CEO Conrad Lutombi said the road will address traffic congestion and boost further economic development.
"There were some challenges with regard to funding, but we are grateful that for this financial year, we received adequate funding. There were also issues with residents having to be relocated, so we had to negotiate with the City of Windhoek to relocate some residents. We are, however, very happy with the progress," Lutombi said.
The RA revealed that by August people will be able to enjoy the Omakunde interchange, which connects Windhoek directly to Gross Barmen.
The project was launched in 2016 and covers the Windhoek-Okahandja road, the Windhoek-Hosea Kutako road, the Hifikepunye Pohamba motorway-dual-lane road behind Dune 7 between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, and the Swakopmund River Bridge, which took a year to construct.
"So far, we have spent N$800 million and are well within budget. As far as contractors are concerned, there are two contractors, one local and one foreign, namely CMC and Otesa," he said.