By: Nghiinomenwa-vali Hangala
The T0202 (Swakopmund-Arandis) road has the highest daily traffic volume in the country, experiencing 3,915 vehicles and 1,054 heavy vehicles, according to Road Authority insights shared with the National Council Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure & Housing Roads Authority.
The road records more daily traffic of heavy vehicles than any other route assessed. The route has also recorded some of the deadliest road accidents in the country.
According to the Road Authority’s estimation, expanding the 48 kilometre road into a 2+1 carriageway will cost N$ 879.0 million, whilst a dual carriageway will cost N$ 7.5 billion.
The Road Authority has indicated that the design for the upgrade will commence this year. However, they did not state if it will be a 2+1 carriageway or a dual carriageway.
Second to the Swakop-Arandis route in daily traffic is the T0109 (Otavi-Tsumeb) route.
The 61-kilometre T0109, Otavi-Tsumeb, records 1,732 vehicles and 652 heavy vehicles daily.
According to the Road Authority, upgrading the route to a 2+1 carriageway will cost N$1.1 billion and turning it into a dual carriageway N$9.5 billion.
The road design will also begin this year, according to the Road Authority.
Another route infamous for its accidents is the 173 kilometre T0107 route from Okahandja to Otjiwarongo.
According to the Road Authority, it will cost N$3.2 billion to upgrade the road to a 2+1 carriageway and N$27.1 billion to a dual carriageway. The partial design (18.5 km) of the road is complete.
The Road Authority has informed the National Council Committee that they are facing various challenges in upgrading various road corridors and reducing road accidents.
Insufficient funding, prioritisation of projects, road user education, and driver behaviour on the road are among the challenges that were identified.
The Authority is implementing interventions such as project preparation and funding mobilisation.
Road safety audits at project and network levels are also being undertaken, as well as automation of weighbridges and digital law enforcement equipment.
