Okahandja:The government has pledged N$305 million to upgrade the 224-kilometre Okondjatu-Okahandja road corridor over a three-year Medium-Term Expenditure Framework.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Hileni Fillemon, Manager of Corporate Communication at the Roads Authority, addressed concerns from the Mureti Royal Traditional Authority about delays in the project. Chief Mburaa Mureti expressed frustration over the lack of progress on the road linking Okahandja, Hochfeld, and Okondjatu.

Fillemon stated that construction is expected to begin in the 2027/28 financial year, depending on the completion of the detailed design and procurement process. The route includes Main Road (MR)59, MR60, MR57, and MR112, with some sections already surfaced.

The financial plan allocates N$30 million for 2026/2027, N$100 million for 2027/2028, and N$175 million for 2028/2029. Following the completion of a 20-kilometre section to low volume seal standard, Phase 2 aims to upgrade 35 kilometres between Okondjatu and Otjozondu to full bitumen standard.

Despite these commitments, the traditional leadership remains concerned about the lack of visible progress. Mureti noted that the road is crucial for the region's development and serves as a link to the Trans-Kalahari road network.

The Roads Authority plans to support local SMEs through subcontracting opportunities and joint ventures, with bidding documents encouraging SME participation from the Otjozondjupa Region. Specific targets for subcontracting or job creation are yet to be confirmed.