RA settles most Ndiyona–Djaradjara claims
The Roads Authority (RA) says a majority of residents affected by the Ndiyona–Djaradjara road project in Kavango East have now received compensation, following months of delays that stalled progress.
In a telephone interview with Namibian Sun on Monday, RA regional engineering manager Kennedy Chigumira said those whose homes lay directly in the road’s path were prioritised.
“We put them first because they were in the middle of the road. Fortunately, we had some savings, which I instructed the contractor to pay as a priority,” Chigumira said.
He confirmed that a few residents whose houses lie just outside the main construction area have yet to receive compensation but assured that they will be included in the next payment phase.
Chigumira noted that the new compensation rates, recently approved by parliament, have now been implemented, replacing the outdated 2009 figures that were previously adjusted for inflation.
Frustration
A report by Namibian Sun in July highlighted challenges at other sites, including the Andara–Shamaturu and Divundu–Muhembo projects, where some residents had refused to relocate due to delays in payments.
At the time, RA chief executive Conrad Lutombi said families had stood firm, insisting they would not move until they received compensation.
The RA stepped in to assist affected families by constructing temporary shelters while they awaited their final payments.
Chigumira said the updated approach, combining prioritisation of critical cases and applying the new rates, has largely resolved the backlog along Ndiyona–Djaradjara. He added that the RA is now better positioned to begin work on remaining sections without further delays.
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In a telephone interview with Namibian Sun on Monday, RA regional engineering manager Kennedy Chigumira said those whose homes lay directly in the road’s path were prioritised.
“We put them first because they were in the middle of the road. Fortunately, we had some savings, which I instructed the contractor to pay as a priority,” Chigumira said.
He confirmed that a few residents whose houses lie just outside the main construction area have yet to receive compensation but assured that they will be included in the next payment phase.
Chigumira noted that the new compensation rates, recently approved by parliament, have now been implemented, replacing the outdated 2009 figures that were previously adjusted for inflation.
Frustration
A report by Namibian Sun in July highlighted challenges at other sites, including the Andara–Shamaturu and Divundu–Muhembo projects, where some residents had refused to relocate due to delays in payments.
At the time, RA chief executive Conrad Lutombi said families had stood firm, insisting they would not move until they received compensation.
The RA stepped in to assist affected families by constructing temporary shelters while they awaited their final payments.
Chigumira said the updated approach, combining prioritisation of critical cases and applying the new rates, has largely resolved the backlog along Ndiyona–Djaradjara. He added that the RA is now better positioned to begin work on remaining sections without further delays.
[email protected]
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