Ngurare demands rural roads as ministry reports N$2bn projects

Prime Minister Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare has called for improved rural access roads despite the Ministry of Works and Transport reporting completed road projects valued at nearly N$2 billion, upgrades to 210 kilometres of railway infrastructure and aviation safety compliance exceeding the national target.Ngurare made the remarks during the ministry’s second-quarter performance review for the 2026/27 financial year at the Office of the Prime Minister on 12 October, where Minister of Works and Transport Veikko Nekundi presented the ministry’s achievements.The prime minister called for better coordination between road construction and agricultural projects, stressing the importance of rural feeder roads in supporting livelihoods and economic activity. Although he commended the ministry for its progress, he emphasised that government must continue delivering on its commitments.“When we were in the [Swapo Party] youth league, we used to make demands that gave our leaders grey hair, but now we are the implementers and policymakers we have no excuse but to deliver,” he said.Among the major completed projects reported by the ministry were Phase 2A of the Windhoek–Hosea Kutako International Airport dual carriageway, valued at N$949.9 million, and Phase 2B, valued at N$1.035 billion.The ministry also reported completion of the 23-kilometre Omulondo–Oshuuli road at a cost of N$53.4 million, while 210 kilometres of the national railway network were upgraded.Fleet performanceIn aviation, the ministry reported that Namibia had achieved 80.3% compliance with International Civil Aviation Organisation standards, exceeding the Sixth National Development Plan target of 75%.Progress towards establishing a new national airline was reported at 85%, with the initiative remaining a government priority.The ministry also presented achievements in state asset management, reporting that 114 obsolete government vehicles were auctioned for N$9.2 million, while 88 new vehicles were procured at a cost of N$79 million.Government fleet maintenance met its target, with 76% of vehicle repairs carried out internally.In renewable energy, the ministry completed a solar photovoltaic expansion that added 42 kilowatt-peak of capacity and installed an electric vehicle charging station.Two procurement contracts were also awarded to local manufacturers in line with Cabinet’s local sourcing directive.While the ministry reported progress in transport infrastructure and government asset management, Ngurare emphasised the need to improve rural connectivity, particularly through feeder roads that support agriculture, livelihoods and local economic activity.

Ngurare demands rural roads as ministry reports N$2bn projects

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Namibian Sun 2026-10-14

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Ngurare demands rural roads as ministry reports N$2bn projects

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Namibian Sun 2026-10-14

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