TSANDI: The Tsandi-Omugulugwombashe road in the Omusati Region is over 70 per cent complete, Roads Authority (RA) spokesperson Hileni Fillemon has said.
Fillemon told Nampa on Wednesday the construction of the 22-kilometre road from Tsandi to Omugulugwombashe is making significant progress, and phase one of construction is set to be completed in either December 2023 or January 2024.
Phase one encompasses work on a 12-kilometre section of the road that commenced in May this year, with an estimated cost of nearly N.dollars 26 million.
On Wednesday, site agent Katrina Nahenda from Kambwa Construction said the company is satisfied with their progress as they have completed the surfacing phase and are currently busy with the final layer.
“We are working with a very good team with project managers DAT joint venture and our client (RA), which has also been very supportive of us,” Nahenda said.
She said RA’s prompt payments are a crucial factor in the project’s smooth progression.
Nahenda said the upgraded road would provide the local community with a smoother driving experience to the national shrine at Omugulugwombashe, as the previous 22km gravel road had been challenging to use.
She also revealed that they had engaged with the local community to identify other areas where assistance could be offered.
“We have identified areas where we can construct five earth dams, which is what we are giving back to the community. We are also going to improve five access roads to the schools in the area,” she stated.
Nahenda pointed out that, besides the technical staff, they have employed 35 locals.
Rebbeka Nuule, the land management officer of the Tsandi Village Council, meanwhile said the improved road would have a positive impact on the town’s economy, as it would become a route for tourists visiting Omugulugwombashe.
Omugulugwombashe is located 22 kilometres from Tsandi in the Omusati Region, and is a significant historical site where Swapo initiated its armed liberation struggle on 26 August 1966.
Source: The Namibian Press Agency