Niël Terblanché
Namibia celebrated another leap forward in the development of vital infrastructure with the official opening of the 170-kilometre road between Gobabis and Aminuis.
The road, upgraded to bitumen standard, was inaugurated by President Nangolo Mbumba on Wednesday.
Speaking at the event in the Omaheke Region, Mbumba said that the road is set to transform access to services, stimulate local economies, and strengthen regional integration.
He also reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing the country’s road network as a cornerstone of development.
“This road is a demonstration of our vision to reduce transportation costs and stimulate local economies by providing access to markets and services,” he stated.
He added that the Gobabis-Aminuis Road forms part of Main Road 91, a critical artery connecting the Omaheke and Hardap regions and linking Namibia to the Trans-Kalahari Highway.
According to the president, Namibia’s road infrastructure has historically been a symbol of inequality, with rural communities bearing the brunt of poor connectivity during the pre-independence era.
Mbumba said that the completion of this road eliminates barriers to accessing essential services such as healthcare and education while uniting communities and fostering inclusivity.
“The Gobabis-Aminuis Road contributes to a more inclusive and connected Namibia,” he said while also pointing out the transformative impact of the upgraded infrastructure.
He added that the project is not just about improving transport; it is also a key driver of economic growth.
According to the president, the road’s strategic significance lies in its support for critical sectors like tourism, agriculture, and mining.
Mbumba added that it would boost tourism by enabling greater access to local attractions, including the Chief Hosea Kutako Memorial Museum and Homestead Shrine.
“This road will not only boost local tourism but also enhance community pride as more visitors come to appreciate the Omaheke Region’s cultural heritage,” he said.
The president added that the Gobabis-Aminuis Road will also improve local economic empowerment.
He said that the project created opportunities for 21 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), enabling local contractors to gain valuable experience and employment.
“The Ministry of Works and Transport, the Roads Authority, contractors, and local communities should be applauded for their dedication, hard work, and commitment,” he said, stressing the importance of partnerships in delivering such transformative projects.
Beyond its local significance, the road enhances Namibia’s role in regional trade within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
The upgraded road facilitates seamless connections to neighbouring Botswana and South Africa, fostering stronger economic ties and cultural exchanges.
“It is about connecting people, sharing cultures, and building a unified region,” he said.
Mbumba added that infrastructure projects like the Gobabis-Aminuis Road align with Namibia’s broader vision of reducing regional disparities and promoting equitable development.
“We envision a Namibia where rural and urban communities are equally served, where regional disparities are diminished, and where every Namibian has the opportunity to thrive,” he said while urging people to cherish and maintain the new road and keep it as a symbol of progress and unity.
Mbumba encouraged Namibians to continue building a stronger, more connected nation.
“Every road we open leads us to a brighter future,” he concluded, before officially declaring the newly tarred Gobabis-Aminuis Road open.
