Allexer Namundjembo
The minister of works and transport Veikko Nekundi says the government will no longer construct gravel roads, with all future projects to be built to tarred ( bitumen) standard.
He made the announcement on Monday at the official launch of the 58-kilometre Omuthiya–Elambo road in the Oshikoto Region, which was initially planned as a gravel road.
The Omuthiya–Elambo road will now be upgraded to tarred standard. Nekundi said gravel roads will no longer form part of the ministry’s construction strategy.
“From today on, there will be no road that will be constructed as a gravel road. Even this road will be built to a standard where it will not require revamping every week,” he said.
He explained that the move aims to ensure roads are built to high standards the first time, allowing the government to direct resources to other priorities.
“This is important, especially as it will make sure that government resources are used for the best benefit of the nation,” he added.
Nekundi instructed contractors to complete the project on time and within the N$188.6 million budget.
“I am not expecting to see this road being done in two years. The N$188.6 million allocated for this project should not be exceeded,” he said.
The district road 3654 connects Omuthiya in the Omuthiya Constituency to Elambo in the Eengodi Constituency.
Construction began last year with a planned two-year timeline. The project is being carried out through a partnership between the Oshikoto Regional Council and the Roads Authority.
Oshikoto Regional Council project manager Priscilla Lyakwata said site clearing has started.
“As we speak, the project is ongoing. We have already started with debushing where the road will be constructed,” she said.
The groundbreaking ceremony was initially scheduled for 18 February but was postponed after the passing of founding president Sam Nujoma.
Eengodi Constituency councillor Protasius Neshuku welcomed the upgrade, saying it will reduce transport costs and improve access to services.
“Hike prices will be reduced, and if prices are not reduced, they will not change anymore. The distance from Omuthiya to my constituency is long due to the bad road conditions,” he said.
He also noted the road’s importance for emergency services, especially ambulance access to the Onamishu clinic, which currently relies on the longer Onyati route.
“It will be a game changer. Residents of Onamanyoka and surrounding villages will have easier access to the councillor’s office and schools like Okashana and Alweendo. It now takes me an hour to reach Omuthiya, but once the road is complete, it will take less than 40 minutes,” Neshuku said.
The project will create jobs for local residents through a labor-based approach with minimal machinery usage. Traditional leaders will help identify unemployed youth for the construction workforce.
