Allexer Namundjembo
Founding President Sam Nujoma was remembered for his contributions to Namibia’s independence and development.
His leadership was closely tied to infrastructure projects, particularly the construction of the railway from Tsumeb to Ondangwa, which symbolised industrial progress and his commitment to improving livelihoods.
Swapo stalwart and member of parliament, Jerry Ekandjo praised Nujoma for his active involvement in infrastructure development.
Speaking at Nujoma’s residence on Monday, Ekandjo highlighted his physical presence at the railway construction site.
“Nujoma was physically involved in the railway construction. He was there. He engaged those who were constructing the railway, and that shows how he was more interested in infrastructure development,” Ekandjo said.
He added that the railway project from Tsumeb to Oshikango was completed without borrowing from global financial institutions.
“The railway project was carried out without any external financial support. We never had contact with the World Bank nor with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). We were financially independent, doing our own things without borrowing. We managed without getting any instructions from the IMF or the World Bank on how to do our things,” Ekandjo added.
Ekandjo further narrated how Nujoma had a dream of constructing a railway from Ondangwa to Cape Flea, urging the next administration to consider his idea.
“The next administration must make sure that the railway reaches Cape Fria, as Nujoma wanted,” Ekandjo said.
The 246.5 km railway line from Tsumeb to Ondangwa was inaugurated by former President Hifikepunye Pohamba in 2006, marking the completion of the first phase of the Northern Railway Extension Project.
