Africa-Press – Namibia. The Minister of Works and Transport, Veikko Nedundi, officially inaugurated the Dr Hage G. Geingob Freeway near the Hosea Kutako International Airport on Monday.
The Dr. Hage G. Geingob Freeway project was completed at a total cost of N$3.5 billion and spans approximately 47.5 km.
Speaking on behalf of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Nekundi said that the dual-carriage freeway forms an integral part of Namibia’s regional trunk routes development programme, aimed at promoting the development through inter-regional trade.
“The Dr. Hage G. Geingob Freeway is a vital corridor linking our capital city (Windhoek) to the main gateway of our nation, the Hosea Kutako International Airport, and improves access to strategic hubs such as Walvis Bay Port,” he said.
“Namibia is strategically positioned as a gateway for imports and exports to and from our landlocked neighbours.”
The minister also stated that the government is committed to ensuring that the road network in Namibia is built to the highest standards, thereby improving the mobility and safety of all road users.
“Road safety remains a national priority. Over the years, this corridor has experienced a high number of accidents, many of which resulted in the tragic loss of lives. This road stands as a testament to our commitment to protecting our citizens and visitors on Namibia’s road network,” said Nekundi.
The project was part of the Harambee Prosperity Plan (HPP), which was championed by the late president Hage Geingob to modernise infrastructure, stimulate economic activity, and position Namibia as a regional logistics hub.
In August 2024, Namibia’s former deputy prime minister and minister of works and transport, John Mutorwa, approved the renaming of the road to the Dr. Hage G. Geingob Freeway in honour of Geingob, Namibia’s third president.
The project was divided into three construction phases. Phase 1 of the project, spanning 6.5 km, was funded by the Namibian government at a total cost of N$1.5 billion.
Phase 2A, covering 19.5 km, was co-funded by the Namibia government and the African Development Bank at a total cost of N$950 million.
The Chinese Government funded phase 2B of the road to the tune of N$1.1 billion. The B2 section starts at the Hosea Kutako International Airport and ends at the Dordabis Interchange, with a span of 21.5 km.
The Chinese ambassador to Namibia, Zhao Weiping said the completion of the road comes at an ideal time when Namibia embarks on implementing NDP6 (Sixth National Development Plan).
“It is indeed a road of prosperity which will lean Namibia into its promising future of social and economic development,” said Weiping.
Roads Authority’s board of directors chairperson, Martins Kambula maintained that the parastatal will remain committed to ensuring that the country’s road infrastructure is regularly maintained.
A total of 54 local subcontractors and approximately 850 Namibians were employed during the construction of the entire project.
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