The Roads Authority has made headway with the first phase of construction of the Bukalo-Muyako-Ngoma Road.

Two months after the groundbreaking ceremony, Roads Authority's Chief Executive Officer Conrad Lutombi, during a site visit, said that the progress made currently stands at 10% in terms of production, with the contractor finalising site establishments to meet the completion time set for March next year. 

However, he noted that there have been some challenges with regards to the relocation of some residents.

"Unfortunately, we had some challenges with two of the landowners who did not agree to the alignment. Of course, we engaged them; we visited the site; we explained the importance of this project. I'm happy to say that they have now agreed, of course, with their revisit to the alignment for the construction not to be too close to their homes for safety reasons, and also, we are happy that with these challenges being resolved now, the contractor very soon, maybe next week, will have access to the site."

The realignment, he said, was mainly due to safety reasons, as many residents have, over the years, built their homes and businesses along the road reserve.

"I really want to use this opportunity to encourage people not to build on the road reserve because once the road is proclaimed, the road reserve becomes part of the road, so you cannot build there. That is a challenge."

The Roads Authority expects to see major progress by October this year to avoid more delays and challenges during the rainy season, noting that they have engaged the contractor to fast-track production in that regard.

Despite the minor challenges and minimal additions expected over time, Lutombi emphasised that they are still within the N$37 million approved budget announced earlier this year for the first phase.

The CEO and his team also visited the Kasika-Nakabolelwa road site, which is currently on pause due to ongoing floods.

"The site where the contractor is working is flooded; therefore, we are going to engage the contractor to see if we can include it in the scope of work for portions which were not part of it, so that instead of suspending the work, it will come at a cost at the end. At least we can proceed, especially in some of the sections in the Kasika area; the contractor can proceed."

Dr. Lutombi also announced that the final inspection on the Impalila Island jetty and access road was done and passed the liability retention period.

The team will also visit the site for the Makanga-Masida access road project next week on Tuesday.