The Roads Authority has launched the Project Control System aimed at improving the planning, monitoring and management of road projects across the country.

Speaking at the launch, Minister of Works and Transport Veikko Nekundi said the newly launched system will integrate information on project budgets, expenditure, implementation schedules, progress and performance, allowing decision-makers to track projects throughout their life cycle.

Nekundi said the system comes at a critical time, with Namibia's road network being one of the country's most valuable public assets.

The Roads Authority manages nearly 50,000 kilometres of roads, with the network valued at approximately N$220 billion.

The minister said the Project Control System was developed at a cost of about N$13 million, noting that proper maintenance is an investment in protecting infrastructure and supporting economic activities.

"When maintenance is delayed, costs rise, against road users and to the detriment of our economy. Road maintenance must never be viewed merely as an expenditure but as an essential investment in preserving Namibia's infrastructure."

Roads Authority Board Chairperson Martins Kambulu said the new system is expected to provide a single, reliable view of project progress, expenditure and performance.

He stressed that reliable information, sound processes and integrated systems are equally important to ensure effective project delivery but stated that the effectiveness of the system will depend on how well staff capture and maintain information.

"The system is ultimately only as strong as the institution that supports it and the capable, committed and enthusiastic engineers and professionals who put it into practice."

The Chief Executive Officer of the Roads Authority of Namibia is Hippy Tjivikua.

"This is part of the digital transformation agenda that drives the Roads Authority. Very soon, you'll see digital driving licences, digital number plates, digital law enforcement, etc. Namibia has been ranked number one in this benchmark on the African continent."

The new system forms part of the broader Road Management System and is expected to support more informed decision-making across Namibia's road infrastructure programme.