The upgrading of the gravel road between Aroab and Keetmanshoop has been identified as one of three proposed construction projects in the ||Kharas Region.
This initiative is part of the Road Authority's revised master plan, which aims to address disparities in the provision of social and economic road infrastructure across the country.
During a courtesy visit from a group of farmers and community members, ||Kharas Governor Aletha Frederick pledged her full support for the construction of the gravel road, which has been the cause of numerous accidents due to its poor condition.
Initially, the construction and upgrading of the 200-kilometre road were deemed economically unviable. However, its significant social impact on the farming communities of Aroab, Koes, and surrounding areas has rendered the project worthwhile.
Additionally, the road serves as a vital link between Namibia and South Africa through the Klein Manasse border post.
Governor Frederick expressed gratitude to the MR27/C16 Road group for voicing the importance of the road and for their patience as the government works to find a solution to their concerns.
"This information will be relayed to the relevant authorities, including the custodian ministry led by John Mutorwa, our Minister of Works and Transport, as well as the Deputy Prime Minister of Namibia. I know it will also be communicated to the Roads Authority to emphasize our commitment to improving the road between Keetmanshoop, Aroab, and Klein Manasse."
Gerhard Vries, a member of the group, stated that constructing a bitumen-standard road would significantly reduce accidents and fatalities.
"Some argue that this road is too expensive to construct, but we must consider the cost of human lives in monetary terms. There remains a compelling case for tarring this road. We can only assert that this road should be paved; it will save lives and ultimately reduce costs."
Gerrit Witbooi echoed this sentiment.
"This project connects three countries through this road. As residents of Aroab, we come together today—through our chairlady, our political leadership, and the office of the governor—to seek your support. We know that the ||Kharas regional governor fully backs this initiative."
Current projects envisioned in the ||Kharas Region include the construction of the B1 road from Tses through Grunau, the Keetmanshoop-Aroab road, and the Tses-Berseba road.