The Minister of Works and Transport, Veikko Nekundi, has reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to improving road infrastructure to ensure the safety of road users.

This was his response to a question raised by IPC MP Nelson Kalangula regarding concerns about poor road infrastructure leading to accidents, particularly referring to the road from Usakos to Swakopmund.

Nekundi says the ministry is making progress in improving road infrastructure on numerous roads in the country, adding that it is one of the ministry's top priorities.

The minister stated that having a strategic plan enables the ministry to balance its regional projects and ensure the effective allocation of resources beforehand.

"The detailed design for Usakos, Arandis, and Swakopmund has a 2-plus-1 road with a 3-lane highway that has 2 travel lanes in one direction, one of which is used for passing manoeuvres, and one lane in the opposite direction. Additionally, the passing lane alternates every 2 km to allow fast traffic volumes to flow freely. In some areas, the design is justified by a 4-lane highway that will save the fast-passing vehicles."

The minister stated that most vehicle accidents are not due to poor road infrastructure but rather negligence of motorists on the road.

"As much as our self-responsibility, you and we as a collective must be responsible on the road and adhere to the traffic regulations to ensure the roads are safe for all road users. Remember, you can have the widest roads on the planet, but if you are reckless as a driver, you will never, forever escape causing accidents on the road."

Nekundi also says conducting a feasibility study and detailed design work on priority roads is essential to ensure the projects meet the public's expectations or needs.