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Roads Authority pleads for funds

The new dual lane Divindu Bridge in Kavango Region. (Photograph by Hilma Hashange)

The new dual lane Divindu Bridge in Kavango Region. (Photograph by Hilma Hashange)

The Roads Authority (RA) has called on the government and potential donors to provide financial support in order for the ailing parastatal to continue expanding road infrasructure.
The Roads  Authority, tasked with the responsibility of not only keeping the road infrastructure intact but also expanding it to all corners of the country, is in dire need of more funds, according to one of its board members.
“We need more funds in order for us to do more than we are currently doing,” says RA  board member, John Mukoya.
He said that the parastatal was doing all it can with the resources at its disposal but more funds were needed in order to meet the demands of the country. Mukoya made the passionate plea recently at the official opening of the Divundu Bridge by the Minister of Works and Transport, Errki Nghimtina.
He said that road construction is a very expensive endeavour, therefore the much needed funds will enable the Roads Authority to continue to serve the nation in an economic way that is of benefit to all.
The rehabilitation of the Divundu Bridge, from a single lane to a dual lane, is but one of the succesful projects that the Roads Authority has implemented thus far. The newly-constructed bridge is located on the Trans-Caprivi Highway which links Namibia to other countries such as Angola and Botswana.
According to Mukoya, the widening of the bridge was important as  it will enable the acceleration of efficient rural-urban interaction, thus creating a platform for the country’s sustainable development. Further more, the newly renovated bridge will also promote regional integration and facilitate the importation and exportation of goods in the SADC region.
Out of a total 45 645 kilometres of road network, only 6664 kilometres is tarred. It is against this background that the Roads Authority is urging stakeholders, both private and public, to support all efforts aimed at raising money in order to keep the country’s roads in good condition. Mukoya said the task cannot be handled by Roads Authority alone .
He urged all road users to refrain from driving recklessly and to always consider other drivers and pedestrians. Mukoya pointed out that a number of overloaded vehicles had a tendency of escaping Weighbridges adding that such culprits will be dealt with accordingly.
Other road construction projects under the guidance of the Roads Authority in the Kavango region include the Kaisosi to Cuma road and the Tjova to Divayi Roads. Construction of the Kamupupu to Mururu road will start in July. Procuring works for rehabilitation and widening of three bridges on the Rehoboth-Mariental road as well as construction of bridges at Ovitoto village near Okahandja in Otjozondjupa are underway.

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