Lutombi says Makanga–Masida road upgrade on track

The Roads Authority (RA) says the 6.58-kilometre Makanga–Masida access road project in the Zambezi Region remains on track for completion by August this year.The N$11.5 million government-funded project, which broke ground in October last year, is designed to link Makanga and Masida settlements through a sealed low-volume standard road, an upgrade from the initially planned gravel standard.During an inspection visit to the project site last week, RA CEO Conrad Lutombi said he was satisfied with the pace of construction despite weather-related setbacks and logistical delays.“We are happy with the progress on both the Makanga and Masida roads. Some sections have reached sub-base level, while others remain on the roadbed due to service relocations, particularly water pipelines and power lines,” Lutombi said.He added that surfacing will begin once the base layer is complete and reiterated that the target completion date remains August.Supportive community The project is expected to generate approximately 100 jobs at its peak construction phase.Challenges encountered so far include delays caused by the rainy season, delayed payments to the contractor and compensation concerns affecting community members along the route.Lutombi, however, stressed that the RA is working to resolve these issues and that both construction and compensation payments will be made.“The community is supportive and eager to see this project completed,” he noted.In addition to the road, two boreholes were drilled near the project route, one each for Makanga and Masida.The boreholes are intended to be donated to the community on completion of the project.The Masida borehole still requires desalination due to high salinity levels and water samples have been sent to a laboratory for testing.Lutombi revealed further plans to upgrade several roads in the region, including the Sibinda–Linyanti road, for which a feasibility study has been completed.The RA is also working on access roads to the Sangwali Clinic and is partnering with the Katima Mulilo Town Council on urban road upgrades.

Lutombi says Makanga–Masida road upgrade on track

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-09

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Lutombi says Makanga–Masida road upgrade on track

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-09

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