Niël Terblanché
In an effort to improve infrastructure and boost economic growth, the Walvis Bay municipality has launched a major road rehabilitation project.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Thursday, marked the beginning of an extensive overhaul of key streets in the port city, introducing a new chapter of development for the region.
The event was attended by the Deputy Minister of Works and Transport, Veikko Nekundi, and Neville Andre, the Governor of the Erongo Region, who both stressed the benefits of the project.
Both leaders hailed the rehabilitation efforts as essential for facilitating business growth, improving transportation efficiency, and enhancing trade connectivity in the region.
At the heart of the initiative is the rehabilitation of roads that are vital to the town’s infrastructure, including Third Street, Fifth Street East, Rikumbi Kandanga Road, Allan Dean Martin Street, Ben Amathila Street, and many others. These roads, essential for residents and businesses alike, will be repaired and rehabilitated to ensure safer, smoother, and more efficient transit for all road users.
Nekundi reiterated the government’s commitment to improving infrastructure, particularly in key towns like Walvis Bay, where road conditions are directly tied to economic prosperity.
He stressed that well-maintained roads are critical for the efficient transportation of goods, especially for a town that serves as Namibia’s gateway to the world through its bustling port.
“By investing in our roads, we are investing in the future of Walvis Bay and Namibia as a whole,” he said.
He said that the rehabilitation project is a product of a successful partnership between the Roads Authority (RA), the Road Fund Administration (RFA), and the Municipality of Walvis Bay.
“This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding, aims to ensure the allocation of resources is directed towards improving the town’s road infrastructure, particularly in areas where the condition of roads has become a challenge,” he said.
Erongo governor also stressed the broader implications of the road rehabilitation project.
He added that the investment in infrastructure will have a direct impact on local businesses, boosting trade and economic activities.
“Good roads are vital for our economic success because they enable smoother transit of goods, enhance access to markets, and ultimately contribute to the prosperity of our people,” he said.
He pointed out that the streets earmarked for rehabilitation, including Theo-Ben Gurirab Avenue, Sixth Street East, and Circumferential Road, are not just essential for local traffic but also serve as key arteries for the movement of goods in and out of the harbour and the town’s industrial areas.
“By improving these roads, the project will facilitate better access to services, improve safety, and support the movement of goods to and from one of the busiest ports in the region,” he said.
Andre added that the project will have a profound impact on Walvis Bay’s future, not just in terms of infrastructure but also in opening new doors for economic growth and development.
Trevino Forbes, the Mayor of Walvis Bay, pointed to the importance of this partnership and noted how it reflects a shared responsibility to uplift the community.
“This project marks a pivotal step forward for our community. Improved roads would bring about numerous benefits for residents and visitors alike,” he said.
The rehabilitated roads will enhance the town’s appeal as a trade hub, attracting further investment and promoting the town’s status as a crucial link in Namibia’s trade network.
“We are not just building roads; we are building a brighter future for Walvis Bay,” he said.
