Windhoek: The Roads Authority (RA) has launched a new Project Control System (PCS) at a cost of N$13 million. The system was officially unveiled by Minister of Works and Transport, Veiko Nekundi, on Thursday. This integrated, data-driven platform is set to revolutionize the planning, monitoring, and management of Namibia's extensive 50,000-kilometre national road network, a vital public asset valued at approximately N$220 billion.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Minister Nekundi, during the launch, underscored the importance of accountability and evidence-based decision-making in public sector management. He urged decision-makers to regard road maintenance not merely as an expense but as an investment crucial to Namibia's economy, trade, and tourism. "Indeed, it's a valuable asset in the structure of our economy. These roads connect communities to critical services, markets, and opportunities while supporting trade, tourism, regional integration, and economic growth. Road infrastructure is therefore about more than roads," he stated.
The PCS incorporates features such as spatial mapping, live mobile reporting, and cross-ministerial transparency within the Ministry of Finance and the National Planning Commission. However, Nekundi stressed that technology alone does not guarantee success. "The project control system will only be as effective as the people who use it and the quality of data entered," he cautioned, underscoring the importance of human interface and operational discipline.
The PCS is a critical component of the broader Road Management System (RMS), which has been under development since 1984. Sophia Tekie, Head of RMS at RA, highlighted the economic necessity of this new tool, explaining that the national road network currently receives only 40% of its required funding. Tekie elaborated on the principle of total transport cost minimisation, indicating that well-maintained roads could save citizens up to N$500 per trip between Windhoek and Swakopmund due to reduced fuel, tyre wear, and vehicle maintenance costs.
Tekie further stated that by creating "one version of the truth," the PCS consolidates project names, budgets, and delivery schedules across all state entities, ensuring that limited capital is allocated for maximum public benefit. RA Board Chairperson Martins Kambulu reaffirmed the collective commitment to this digital milestone, noting that the system embodies years of standardised processes, rigorous testing, and inter-institutional collaboration.
Aligned with the digital transformation objectives of NDP6, the PCS will gradually offer project dashboards to external stakeholders, regional councils, and the public, fostering a transparent, accessible, and highly traceable framework for future road infrastructure management.