A N$552 million road infrastructure project covering 31 kilometres between Karibib and Usakos has been completed.
The road forms part of the Tans-Kalahari, Trans-Kunene, Trans-Orange, and Walvis Bay Development Corridors, strengthening connectivity between Namibia, neighbouring countries and the Port of Walvis Bay.
The project includes consultant services valued at more than N$53 million.
Construction commenced in November 2023, with the initial scope focusing on the rehabilitation of the road between Karibib and Usakos.
It also consists of the rehabilitation and upgrading of Karibib road, construction of a new District access road, as well as the Cannon River Hospital Bridge.
Works and Transport Minster Veikko Nekundi explained.
“The Usakos road, once a meter-wide, has been gigantically transformed into a modern 13.44-meter-wide cross-section road complete with overtaking lanes and strengthened and widened bridges. upgraded drainage systems and enhanced pedestrian infrastructure through Kharibeb, including parkings and side walks.”
Ambassador-designate of Germany, Thomas Wimmer, said the transport sector has been an important pillar of the German-Namibian partnership.
“Over the years, together with our Namibian partner, Germany has facilitated the rehabilitation and construction of 1,800 kilometers in the whole of Namibia. This includes vital economic corridors from the Kavango-Zambezi link, parts of the Windhoek-Okahandja corridor, a section of the B1 in the south of this country, and now this very crucial section of the B2.”
With the project now completed, the Board Chairperson of the Roads Authority, Martins Kambulu, explained that creating opportunities for Namibians in the road construction sector is a priority.
“Over the past five years, the authority delivered road construction and maintenance works valued at N$16.5 billion. Of this amount, local contractors executed works valued at approximately N$9.25 billion, representing 56%, while foreign contractors and foreign joint ventures executed works valued at approximately N$7.25 billion, representing about 44%.”
For the Usakos community, according to Mayor Clerens Katorab, the completion of the road marks an important infrastructure milestone.
“Let us observe speed limits, respect road signs, remain considerate of other road users, and protect the infrastructure that has been developed by our collective benefit.”