Budgetary constraints resulting in the non-payment of contractors have led to a further delay in the construction of the last stretch of the Okahandja-Windhoek highway, which was expected to be completed in July 2020.

In an interview with Nampa, Roads Authority Chief Executive Officer, Conrad Lutombi explained that the construction of the 21 kilometre stretch of road, which is now at a standstill, will only be completed early next year due to budgetary constraints.

He said this has caused implications of spending more than what was budgeted for, but could not confirm how much it is at the moment.

“We have discussed these things with Government, which is why the budget for 2022/23 for that road have been very much improved, and we are working very hard to make sure the contractors resume work as soon as possible without further delays,” said Lutombi.

The construction of the said road, which is being upgraded from a dual carriageway to a four-lane freeway, started in January 2016, and section one of the project, spanning 27.6 kilometres was completed in January 2020 at the cost of N.dollars 1 billion, fully funded by the Namibian government. However, the last stretch of 21 kilometres envisaged to be completed in July 2020, costing about N.dollars 900 million, has come to a halt.

The companies in charge of the construction are Otesa Civil Engineering, a local company, and international company, Cooperativa Muratori Cementisti Ravenna.

Project Manager Lucas De Mario late last week told Nampa they had not been working since 10 January 2022 because the ministry failed to honour payment. He however refused to divulge more on how much is owed to them.

“Yes we have not been working. The guys (workers) just come here and sit until five and go back, but we are still paying them. I don’t know when the ministry is going to pay, but that is all I can say for now,” said De Mario.

When approached for comment, Minister of Works and Transport, John Mutorwa said he is not familiar with the situation and referred questions to Deputy Executive Director in the ministry, Jonas Sheelongo.

Sheelongo told this news agency that he could not deny nor confirm if the contractors are paid, because the ministry first has to verify the invoice and send someone to inspect the road and assess if the work is done at the required standard.

“When everything is assessed, then we can make the payment. We don’t just pay for something we have not seen,” said Sheelongo.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency