By: Loise Shiimi
The construction of District Road 3654, which connects Omuthiya to Elambo, is projected to generate approximately 750 jobs.
The construction was officiated by the Minister of Works and Transport, Veikko Nekundi this week.
District Road 3654 begins at the junction with T0111 and stretches eastward for 49 kilometres to District Road 3630.
The road’s horizontal alignment will primarily follow the existing route between Omuthiya and Elambo.
With a total length of 58 kilometres, the project includes the development of access roads to the Alweendo Combined School, Amweelo Primary School, Onamishu Combined School, Evale Combined School, and the Onamishu Clinic.
Nekundi emphasised that the new road would greatly benefit residents who have long struggled with sand roads, making it easier for them to reach their destinations.
“This infrastructure will facilitate access for teachers and students to their respective schools, and enhance access to clinics and hospitals for all. Additionally, farmers will have an easier time transporting their produce to market,” he stated.
The road is slated for completion over two years at an estimated cost of N$188.6 million, funded jointly by the government of Namibia and the KfW Development Bank of Germany.
The minister also announced a significant policy shift, stating that no more gravel roads will be constructed in the country. He explained that maintaining gravel roads is costly, with millions being spent annually on their upkeep.
“Although the Omuthiya-Elambo road was initially planned as a gravel road, upon taking office in April, I decided that rural road construction will transition to more sustainable and cost-effective stabilised road solutions,” he explained.
Nekundi urged contractors and stakeholders involved in this project to ramp us proceedings and avoid delays.
Oshikoto Region governor, Sacky Kathindi, underscored the project’s importance, noting that it will significantly enhance connectivity for thousands of residents, improve access to public services, and stimulate the economy by facilitating the transportation of agricultural goods to market.
“This initiative will also create job and income opportunities for the residents of Omuthiya and Eengodi Constituencies, fostering local development and attracting potential investments,” Kathindi said.
He echoed that the road would restore dignity and mobility to the people of Omuthiya, Elambo, and surrounding areas.
The Omuthiya-Elambo road is expected to connect with the high-priority Onyati-Onyuulaye-Onkumbula road.
Additionally, he revealed the prioritised list of other road projects, which includes: Engoyi-Omuntele-Onanke road, Omuthiya-Onanke road, Omahenge-Onayena, Oshali-Embumbu road, Casablanca-Onalusheshete-Elavi road, Andoni-Omboto-Ekoka Road (linking to Ohangwena), and the Sachsenheim-Tsintsabis road.
