Windhoek -Okahandja road becomes dual carriage way

Trunk Road 1/6 between Okahandja and Windhoek will be rehabilitated and upgraded to a dual carriage way.
The project is 78km long and will be subdivided into 4 sections, which will be constructed in phases over a number of years.
Section 1 will entail the construction of a second carriageway between Auas road and Main Road 52 at Sam Nujoma Drive. After which section 2 of the project will entail the rehabilitation of the current dual carriageway from Sam Nujoma Drive to Brakwater.
Section 3, the current Western Bypass will be extended northwards from Brakwater to the Dobra River. Section 4 will continue with the freeway all the way to Okahandja, passing Okahandja via the Okahandja Western Bypass, linking the existing roads to Otjiwarongo and Karibib.
The upgrading of this road will also include the construction of pedestrian bridges on the Windhoek Western Bypass.
Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony at Palkies in Brakwater earlier this week, Erkki Nghimtina, Minister of Works and Transport said the project which is Government funded will change the face of Namibia’s road network.
“Undoubtedly, this indicates the Government’s continuous commitment to keep up with international trends and standards and develop road infrastructure. Once completed, the dual carriage way will significantly reduce accidents on this road. However, I wish to remind you that a bad driving attitude can still jeopardise traffic safety irrespective of the number of lanes,” he said.
His Excellency ,President Hifikepunye Pohamba said the Government has decided to mobilise resources for the upgrading of this road to a modern and safer dual carriage way, because of its strategic importance to the country.
He said by improving our roads and railways, the country’s competitiveness is enhanced as the gateway for the transit of imports and exports, especially for the land-locked countries in the southern African sub-region. As a developing country, we must continue to make these efforts towards the achievement of our National Development Plans, which are the building blocks towards Vision 2030.
“This development is significant in many ways. First, it will improve the flow of traffic between Windhoek and Okahandja. Secondly, it will enhance safety on this vital and busy stretch of road which also forms part of the important Walvis Bay Corridor. This road is a major artery for trade and commerce in our country,” he said.
He reiterated, the Government’s commitment to the expansion and maintenance of the country’s road network to the highest standards.
“We wish to ensure that the resources invested in these projects are utilised efficiently to achieve the desired results. All persons and institutions involved in these projects must do their part to ensure that the final product complies to the highest standards of quality. We will not accept anything less,” he said.
He further said, in addition to the upgrading of this road to dual carriageway, plans are underway to upgrade the Windhoek – Hosea Kutako International Airport road, Windhoek to Rehoboth road, Swakopmund to Walvis Bay road and the Omuthiya to Ongwediva road to dual carriageways.
“Such investments will not only bring about significant reductions in traffic congestion, they will also greatly improve road safety on these vital transport arteries in our country,” added Pohamba.
VKE Namibia has been appointed as the Engineering Consultant and Grinaker Namibia will be the Contractor on this project while Roads Authority is responsible for the overall supervision and management of the project.