Nkurenkuru–Nepara road officially opens, second phase planned
The Roads Authority (RA) board chairperson Martin Kambulu officially opened the first phase of the Nkurenkuru–Nepara road in Kavango West yesterday.
Kambulu said road users going through Nepara should note that the road is now open to traffic.
“We are mobilising funding to ensure the project is completed. The stretch from the turn-off to Nepara is about 27km, of which 8km is now complete. Once funding is secured, we hope to continue with the remaining works as soon as possible,” Kambulu said.
Kambulu told Namibian Sun that the completed 8km phase cost about N$29 million and was delivered on time and within budget in just six months.
According to Kambulu, the other road projects in the region are at different stages.
Contractor appointed
Additionally, Kambulu said the Divindu–Muhembo road in Kavango East is “moving along well,” while challenges remain on the Andara–Shamaturu and Ndiyona–Djaradjara roads.
“The board and RA CEO Dr Conrad Lutombi are in discussions to find amicable solutions and ensure these projects are completed on time,” Kambulu said.
Dr Lutombi confirmed that a contractor has been appointed to complete the remaining 8km stretch of the Nkurenkuru–Nepara road and to connect the nearby school.
“The contractor is currently establishing the site, and we hope to complete this 8km stretch by March next year. The project is a road improvement initiative undertaken by Road Architecture Construction Company,” Dr Lutombi said.
He added that plans are also in place to link the Nkurenkuru–Nepara to the military base and to continue clearing works on the outer Ncaute–Karukuvisa project, with further upgrades planned in the next financial year.
Road safety during construction emphasised
Dr Lutombi urged drivers to exercise caution while using sections of the road that remain under construction.
“Traffic signs must be observed, speed limits adhered to, and the state-promoted gateways installed at night will assist with visibility. Overspeeding on sections under construction could lead to accidents,” Dr Lutombi warned.
Kambulu stressed that the RA would not compromise on quality.
“Once funding is secured, we will give contractors the agreed time to complete the project. We do not want to rush and compromise quality. If all goes as planned, we aim to finish the remaining 19km by the end of January 2027,” he said.
He added that while N$29 million was spent on the first 8km, further work is planned.
“There is a section that was demolished, and another section of about 11km which is still intact. Next year, we will work with the road improvement unit to surface this gravel road. At the same time, we are designing upgrades to meet local road standards from Ncaute all the way to Karukuvisa,” Kambulu said.
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Kambulu said road users going through Nepara should note that the road is now open to traffic.
“We are mobilising funding to ensure the project is completed. The stretch from the turn-off to Nepara is about 27km, of which 8km is now complete. Once funding is secured, we hope to continue with the remaining works as soon as possible,” Kambulu said.
Kambulu told Namibian Sun that the completed 8km phase cost about N$29 million and was delivered on time and within budget in just six months.
According to Kambulu, the other road projects in the region are at different stages.
Contractor appointed
Additionally, Kambulu said the Divindu–Muhembo road in Kavango East is “moving along well,” while challenges remain on the Andara–Shamaturu and Ndiyona–Djaradjara roads.
“The board and RA CEO Dr Conrad Lutombi are in discussions to find amicable solutions and ensure these projects are completed on time,” Kambulu said.
Dr Lutombi confirmed that a contractor has been appointed to complete the remaining 8km stretch of the Nkurenkuru–Nepara road and to connect the nearby school.
“The contractor is currently establishing the site, and we hope to complete this 8km stretch by March next year. The project is a road improvement initiative undertaken by Road Architecture Construction Company,” Dr Lutombi said.
He added that plans are also in place to link the Nkurenkuru–Nepara to the military base and to continue clearing works on the outer Ncaute–Karukuvisa project, with further upgrades planned in the next financial year.
Road safety during construction emphasised
Dr Lutombi urged drivers to exercise caution while using sections of the road that remain under construction.
“Traffic signs must be observed, speed limits adhered to, and the state-promoted gateways installed at night will assist with visibility. Overspeeding on sections under construction could lead to accidents,” Dr Lutombi warned.
Kambulu stressed that the RA would not compromise on quality.
“Once funding is secured, we will give contractors the agreed time to complete the project. We do not want to rush and compromise quality. If all goes as planned, we aim to finish the remaining 19km by the end of January 2027,” he said.
He added that while N$29 million was spent on the first 8km, further work is planned.
“There is a section that was demolished, and another section of about 11km which is still intact. Next year, we will work with the road improvement unit to surface this gravel road. At the same time, we are designing upgrades to meet local road standards from Ncaute all the way to Karukuvisa,” Kambulu said.
[email protected]
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