The Minister of Works and Transport, John Mutorwa, has expressed satisfaction with the country’s road classifications, including tarred, paved, gravel, and hard-to-access roads. However, he emphasized that more work is needed, particularly in remote areas.
Mutorwa recently concluded a two-week tour of road construction projects across the country. With his term as minister ending soon, he made it a priority to inspect ongoing projects, attend groundbreaking ceremonies, inaugurate new roads, and encourage workers on construction sites.
He noted that Namibia has made significant progress in connecting its 14 regions and improving road networks within the Southern African Development Community (SADC). However, he stressed the need to focus on rural feeder roads to link villages, farms, and production centers.
"The rural feeder roads. Connecting villages, farms, and production centres, many of the people do not live here. They have their cattle and Mahangu fields there, not only in Kavango but all over the country. I cannot say that they have completed; if you look at the plan, there are still ongoing projects, but overall, if we continue in this way, we shall continue because government plans are there," Mutorwa said.
Some rural roads remain challenging to access, often requiring four-wheel-drive vehicles. However, Mutorwa expressed confidence in the Roads Authority’s Integrated Strategic Business Plan to address these issues.
"Last time I was in the Ohangwena region, there was a place called Onamafila. From the main road, it's 10 to 15 kilometres, but the first time I went there with the governor, you will spend, I tell you, maybe two hours. At least at Onamafila, we're done. We've put a gravel road there, and there are many Onamafilas, but we'll be there. All over the country, in each region, something is happening," he added.
Mutorwa’s tour ended in Nkurenkuru, Kavango West, where he inspected the Nkurenkuru-Nepara road project. This road has been a major concern for motorists, with many complaining about vehicle damage due to its poor condition.
The project faced delays after construction was halted, but a new contractor, China Henan International Cooperation Group, has been appointed. The first phase involves upgrading 10 kilometres of gravel road to a low-volume seal, costing N$29 million and expected to take six months to complete.