By: Loise Shiimi
The Ondangwa Town Council officially commenced construction on the Extension 7 Road, which will connect Gwashamba Mall to Sun Square Mall and provide access to the main road.
Ismael Namgongo, CEO of the Ondangwa Town Council, announced that the road project is valued at N$14.5 million and will span a distance of 1.3 kilometres.
The project, awarded to Alugodhi Construction, commenced on 1 September 2025 with completion expected by March 2026.
Namgongo explained that the selection of the contractor involved a competitive bidding process with nine contractors participating. Following a thorough evaluation through internal procurement procedures, Alugodhi Construction was chosen for meeting all specified requirements. He expressed confidence that the contractor would deliver work that meets the required standards.
Addressing concerns raised by some community members regarding the road’s construction in an area prone to flooding, Namgongo emphasised that the design will include underground pipes to effectively manage rainwater flow.
To stakeholders and residents affected by the ongoing construction, he acknowledged the temporary disturbances, but reassured them that normalcy would soon return, allowing everyone to enjoy the benefits of the new infrastructure.
“Feel at home, continue to support us, and let us work together as one community for the betterment of our town. No one else will come to develop this town but us, so let us unite and strive towards our common goal of enhancing our community,” he urged.
Meanwhile, Ondangwa mayor, Paavo Amwele, highlighted that road infrastructure remains a priority for the council.
“Over the past five years, we have consistently allocated funds in each financial year to support road development. While we are upgrading gravel roads in various parts of the town, particularly in our informal settlements, the construction of bitumen roads has become a central focus,” he stated.
Amwele also indicated that areas such as Oluno (Extension 1), Extensions 16, 24, 25, and 26 have already seen their roads upgraded to bitumen standards. Additionally, two key projects are underway: one in Extension 28 (Onguta) and the other in Extension 7.
When asked how the council can contribute to the nation’s development programs, including the sixth National Development Plan (NDP 6), he underscored that the success of national initiatives relies on the active participation of every institution in Namibia, and the Ondangwa Town Council is no exception.
“Our Strategic Plan aligns with the high-level objectives of the government and the mandates of local authorities. Every program we implement is designed to benefit our residents while contributing to both regional and national development objectives and government priorities in areas such as agriculture, youth empowerment, education, health, land, housing, and sports,” he explained.
Regarding the Extension 7 Road project, he noted that it would significantly alleviate traffic congestion along the main road.
“This project will not only benefit the residents of Extension 7, but will also enhance mobility for the general public by providing easier access to key destinations. We hope that the construction of this road will promote and accelerate private sector investment in the area, encouraging property owners to develop their land and build more shops and offices, thereby benefitting our local economy,” he added.
