The Roads Authority (RA) has launched an N$13 million Project Control System (PCS) aimed at strengthening the planning, monitoring and management of road projects across Namibia's nearly 50,000-kilometre road network.
The system forms part of the Authority's broader Road Management System and is intended to provide a centralised platform for tracking project budgets, expenditure, implementation schedules, progress and performance.
Head of Road Management System at the Roads Authority, Professional Engineer Sophia Belete-Tekie, says the system creates a link between identifying road infrastructure needs and ensuring approved projects are effectively delivered.
"At the heart of PCS is one very important principle: one version of the truth. One reliable and consistent source of project information so that everyone works from the same information and the same facts. In essence, RMS helps us determine what should be done and where our resources should be invested. PCS helps us ensure that what has been approved is effectively delivered."
Chairperson of the Roads Authority Board, Martins Kambulu, says the system is intended to improve how the Roads Authority tracks and manages its projects.
"The PCS now joins the family as another important subsystem within the broader integrated Road Management System environment. The development of this system responds to a particular need within the Roads Authority to strengthen the way we plan, monitor and manage our projects from inception through to completion."
The system is expected to help officials identify delays, cost increases and other implementation risks early enough for corrective action to be taken.
Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi says the system will provide all stakeholders access to relevant project information through reports, graphs, dashboards and maps.
"This will enhance transparency, accessibility of project information, coordination and informed decision-making, while providing stakeholders with an up-to-date view of the location, status and progress of the road authority projects. This launch also reflects the government's broader commitment to digital transformation."
He, however, cautioned that technology alone will not guarantee the system's success, that it ultimately depends on the teams using it, particularly those responsible for entering and maintaining accurate, timely and reliable information.
The Roads Authority says the PSC marks another step in its efforts to modernise road asset management and improve evidence-based decision-making, ultimately supporting better delivery of road infrastructure across the country.