The Minister of Works and Transport had an extensive briefing on Wednesday with his senior staff and CEOs of parastatals that fall under his ministry.

After welcoming the staff for the new year, John Mutorwa had to answer a number of questions posed by the media. 

These include, among others, a N$2.6 billion loan to TransNamib for the upgrading of the railway network, the state of the country's airports, and the registration of new engineers.

Speaking on the issues facing the construction industry, Mutorwa said a construction bill, which addresses major concerns of the construction industry, is now with the Cabinet Committee on Legislation.

The bill, among others, provides for the establishment of a Construction Industry Council to set and uphold regulations within the sector.

He said that the leadership of the Construction Industry Federation was involved in the drafting of the bill.

Asked about the N$2.6 billion loan to upgrade the railway network, TransNamib CEO Webster Gonzo said the money has been secured and preparations for how the money is to be spent are at an advanced stage.

CEO of the Namibia Airports Company, Bisey |Uirab, spoke on developments at that company, noting strong interest shown from international and regional airlines to fly and land in Namibia.

He also shared with the media and the minister the NAC's ambition to turn Namibia into a logistics hub, which he said requires modernization and expansion of the country's airports.

In this regard, the airports company, over the past two years, has upgraded its infrastructure to be able to handle increased traffic at its airports.