Justicia Shipena
August 26 Construction has been selected as the contractor for building the new Wanaheda NaTIS Centre in Katutura.
The project is aimed at bringing services closer to residents in Katutura.
On Monday during the groundbreaking ceremony, minister of works and transport Veikko Nekundi revealed August 26 as the contractor.
Nekundi said the decision followed last year’s visit to the NaTIS facility located in the northern industrial area. in 2025.
“It was a regrettable experience. The facility was overwhelmed, and this compromised excellent service delivery,” he said.
He said residents from areas such as Hakahana, Havana, Goreangab and Okuryangava had to travel long distances to access services.
“It was in that context that I took an on-the-spot decision that a new NaTIS centre must be established within the proximity of the grassroots,” Nekundi said.
He said the government rejected plans to build the facility in Pioneerspark and prioritised Wanaheda.
The centre will operate as a one-stop facility offering learner testing, driver testing, roadworthy testing for light and heavy vehicles, and permit services.
“This is deliberate and underscores our unwavering commitment to serve our people with absolute dedication. Our people should not have to travel great distances,” he said.
The centre will also include an intelligent driver testing system to improve efficiency and fairness.
Nekundi said the project was designed using in-house expertise from the Ministry of Works and Transport, the Roads Authority (RA) and the Road Fund Administration (RFA) to reduce costs.
“There is powerful symbolism in breaking ground on a facility for the Namibian people with a contractor that belongs to the Namibian people,” Nekundi said.
The project will include five small and emerging contractors and is expected to create about 200 jobs during construction.
He said the project forms part of a wider plan to upgrade NaTIS centres in Walvis Bay, Oranjemund, Oshakati, Nkurenkuru and Mariental.
He said the government is also working on modernising NaTIS systems, including e-booking, e-payment, digital licences and mobile services.
RA chief executive officer Hippy Tjivikua said the project will reduce congestion at existing facilities.
“By establishing this centre here in Wanaheda, we are committing to helping you curb the burden associated with transportation and fuel costs to NaTIS Valley,” he said.
Tjivikua said some services, such as motor vehicle licence renewals, are already available online.
“At this juncture, allow me to also remind you all that some of our services are now available online,” he said.
He said the project reflects efforts to improve service delivery and accessibility.
“We are indeed excited about the journey ahead and the many ways this new NaTIS office will enhance our ability to serve you better,” he said.
RA board chairperson Martins Kambulu said the centre responds to growing demand for services.
“The NaTIS One Stop Centre in Wanaheda is a direct response to the growing demand for accessible, efficient, and customer-centric services,” he said.
Kambulu said the facility will also include waiting areas, parking, a kiosk, permit offices and filing rooms.
“This integrated approach is designed to significantly reduce the time and inconvenience currently experienced by members of the public,” he said.
He said the Roads Authority is introducing digital systems such as booking and payment platforms and computerised learner licence testing.
“As for the book and pay system, clients will be able to book for a test and pay before visiting a NaTIS office,” he said.
“We are firm in our resolve that every Namibian who obtains a driver’s licence does so on merit, through a fair, transparent, and credible process,” Kambulu added.
He said plans are underway to introduce mobile service units.
