Josh Kanuku
Oshakati, July 23 – The Minister of Works and Transport John Mutorwa officially opened the N$15 million Okatana-Ongwediva road in the Oshana region.
The construction of the road also led to the establishment of N$400 000 access roads to Joseph Mbangula Combined School and Okatana Church, which were constructed as part of the project’s corporate social responsibility programme.
Mutorwa said the road will significantly reduce congestion between Oshakati and Ongwediva as residents from Oshakati, Ongwediva, Ehenye and Ekuku would use the shorter and more convenient route from Oshakati and Endola to Oshikango, Onhuno and Eenhana.
He noted that it will also decrease road accidents and enable road users to get to their destinations safely and quickly.
“The upgraded road will also stimulate economic growth in the northern regions in terms of moving goods and services and also enhancing the agricultural sector,” he said.
Road Authority chief executive officer Conrad Lutombi said the Okatana-Ongwediva road is an important asset that will contribute to a better flow of goods and services in the region.
Lutombi said RA is busy working on the Omatando-Onamutayi road although they had faced challenges accessing material for upgrading the road.
Further, he said RA is re-gravelling three roads – the Adolf-Ongha, Okapya-Onakamwandi and Okapya-Okaku-Ohalushu – under their three-year programme.
In addition, the Okatana-Onamutyi-Ongha, Oluno-Uukwiyuushona and Oshakati-Ompundja projects are on RA plans to be upgraded to low volume seal standards in the current financial year, depending on funds availability.
