The Tsumkwe-Grootfontein road upgrade from gravel to tar, will be given priority by the Road Authority in terms of the regional road master plan document.

At the opening of the one-day road master plan validation workshop, Otjozondjupa Governor John ||Khamuseb said the 279-kilometre stretch is critical in the region's road infrastructure.

A total of 23 roads and routes have been identified in the road master plan, of which 13 will be upgraded to bitumen, while seven are considered for gravelling.

The document states that the sandy routes in the Tsumkwe Constituency, including Assvoelnes-Nhoma, Tsumkwe-Chief Village, Tsumkwe-Sikereti-Khaudum, and Gam-Otjiuamapeta-Otjinigandu, will be upgraded to gravel.

"Good transport infrastructure is critical for the socio-economic development of the regions and communities; without proper transport infrastructure, the development of respective economic sectors, like health, agriculture, education, tourism, mining, and trade, would be constrained. To address the situation, the Namibian government initiated various road master plans. It's my belief and conviction that the road to Tsumkwe will be considered as most critical, as one travels and returns from Tsumkwe for a complete two days," said ||Khamuseb.

Also identified are the main arteries of the Okahandja-Otjiwarongo-Otavi and Otjiwarongo-Kalkfeld roads that will be rehabilitated.

In Okakarara Constituency, the Ohorongo-mbaranga road has been proclaimed as a new route, while the Waterberg-Rietfontein route will be serviced with gravel.

The Otavi-Outjo gravel road will also be upgraded to tar.

||Khamuseb said the review of the regional master plan will help support socio-economic growth and align with the national development plans.