A 170-kilometre stretch of road between Gobabis and Aminuis that has been upgraded to bitumen standards has been officially inaugurated by President Nangolo Mbumba.

The road directly links the Omaheke and Hardap regions.

President Nangolo Mbumba expects the road to stimulate economic growth as transportation becomes easier through an improved road network.

Dr. Mbumba reaffirmed the government's commitment to prioritising service delivery to the nation.

The head of state added that for decades, most rural communities have been disadvantaged in terms of inadequate development, which limited them from accessing services.

"The completion of this road not only eliminates these barriers but also contributes to a more inclusive and connected Namibia. Its people are connected, regions are connected, towns and farms are connected, and the Gobabis-Aminuis road forms part of main road no. 91, which spans a total of 239 km and connects the Omaheke and Hardap regions. Importantly, this stretch also links the Trans Kalahari Highway, creating a critical part from Walvis Bay Port in the Erongo region to South Africa via Botswana."

The Minister of Works and Transport, John Mutorwa, emphasised the importance of road infrastructure in economic development.

Mutorwa, however, emphasised that attention is also needed on feeder roads.

"The function of roads is to connect various parts of Namibia to connect villages and our farms; hence we believe strongly that first, if you talk about developments, first the roads must be there, and obviously development will follow because it is on the road that the goods and the services are transported."

Omaheke Governor Pijoo Nganate states that the road upgrade presents the region with a hope of being self-sustainable and moving in the direction of an industrial hub.

"The onus is on us as a citizenry to tap into these opportunities; the road will surely serve as a

catalyst for development, but the work should be done by us, the people of this region; we therefore strive and yield and yearn for more and strive for excellence."

Through the Chief Executive Officer of the Road Authority, Dr. Conrad Lutombi implored the road users to be vigilant at all times and take care of the given infrastructure.