The Minister of Works and Transport, John Mutorwa, has reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring a regional road network that supports economic growth.

Mutorwa addressed officials at the inauguration of two key roads at Rundu in the Kavango East Region.

Phase two of the Maria Mwengere Road extends from the University of Namibia campus, over five government installations at Kayengona Village.

Dr Sam Nujoma Drive extends from Maria Mwengere Road through Kehemu Informal Settlement and up to Sauyemwa Informal Settlement.

The five-kilometre long Maria Mwengere was upgraded to low volume seal standard, while Dr Sam Nujoma Drive was rehabilitated following a noted deterioration.

Mutorwa said Namibia has achieved its targets in terms of trans-boundary corridors and the connection of regional centres, but access to villages, constituencies and farms remains a challenge.

"Now the completion of these projects is indeed a confirmation of our government's policy commitment to accelerate transport infrastructure development so that economic growth can be improved, but also to foster and strengthen closer collaboration and corporation between spheres of government in order to enhance public service delivery."

Mutorwa called on the public to safely use the roads and guard against vandalism, saying many communities are still without these services.

Roads Authority Chief Executive Officer Conrad Lutombi said several road construction projects are lined up to start at Rundu soon.

"We will be proceeding very soon with the construction of the cycle on the trunk road with the main access to the business area in Rundu on the highway, and it is our hope that our relationship with the town council of Rundu will continue so that we also upgrade that section from the main trunk road to the Sam Nujoma cycle."

The Maria Mwengere-Trans-Zambezi Highway link, Cuma Road, and the John Mutorwa Road are expected to benefit next from the RA's low volume seal strategy.