Road in the North to Cost N$42 Million

William J Mbangula

19 July 2011

Oshakati — The construction of the long-awaited N$42 million gravel road that links Onamutai to Ongwediva and Okatana would start any time from now.

Project coordinator Peter Thieman confirmed this in a recent interview with New Era.

He said he has just signed an agreement with the appointed contractor as a first step to start actual construction.

The N$ 42 million gravel road, which will cover a total distance of about 60 km, will be funded by the Government of Namibia in cooperation with the Federal Republic of Germany.

The Roads Authority (RA) will serve as the implementing agent.

New Era was informed by reliable sources that consultation and discussions have already been concluded with all the stakeholders such as the Oshana Regional Council, the two Local authorities of Ongwediva and Oshakati, traditional leaders as well as household owners affected by the new development.

The villagers would be compensated in line with government payment formula.

The road, which has been proclaimed as DR 3671, will form part of the northern bypass for both Oshakati and Ongwediva towns.

The road is expected to tremendously alleviate the plight of the local community who mostly are surrounded by plains (Oshanas) and in most cases, during heavy rains and flooding, are not able to reach schools, hospitals, churches, business and trading centres.

New Era was informed by sources within the road authority that it is expected that during the peak construction time of this labour-based project, employment opportunities may be created for a minimum of 300 local people.

At least 30 per cent of the employees are expected to be women.

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