Africa-Press – Namibia. Transport minister Veikko Nekundi has come out swinging after a surprise visit to the delayed Engoyi-Omuntele road project in Oshikoto region, calling out poor decisions, unapproved demolitions and alleged corruption.
The construction of the 16-kilometre stretch between Omuntele and Engoyi began in October 2023 but is still far from finished.
However, the Road Contractor Company (RCC) and the Roads Authority (RA) hope to wrap it up by the end of next month.
Nekundi was nevertheless not impressed when he visited the site recently.
“I am not pleased with the way things have been handled,” said a visibly upset Nekundi.
The visit followed public outcry from Omuntele residents who were furious after community structures were torn down along the roadside. He revealed that his office had never approved these demolitions and had not even been consulted.
He immediately ordered RA to stop all demolitions and instead install speed bumps and raised curbs to improve road safety without destroying local properties.
The minister further instructed that anyone whose property had already been affected must be compensated in line with government policies.
While inspecting the road works, Nekundi also learned that the project faced delays due to NamWater pipeline issues and serious accusations that the project’s consulting engineer had manipulated lab test results.
He branded this “unethical and inappropriate,” and warned that any professionals found wanting could be blacklisted.
He demanded swift action against those involved and said the government must be reimbursed for losses caused by these actions. A detailed report on how the matter is handled is expected to be on his desk by next week.
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