Namibia Chief Executive Officer of the Roads Authority, Conrad Lutombi confirms the allocation of 15 road projects to local contractors. This follows concerns about the lack of local involvement in road construction projects that are granted to foreign companies. Conrad Lutombi termed the concerns as unfounded and not factual.
Importantly, the Roads Authority has embarked on 22 road construction projects in the five years past years. Some are completed and some are still ongoing. Out of the 22 projects, 15 were awarded to local contractors and four to joint ventures between Namibian and foreign contractors. Nevertheless, only three were entirely awarded to foreign contractors.
The 15 road projects in Namibia are to be constructed by the local investors
According to the Roads Authority, the 15 projects will cost N$15 billion. Among the 15 road projects are Gobabis – Aminius – Aranos road upgrade to bitumen standards, (Section B, between Onderombapa and Aranos), Omaheke and Hardap Regions. Swakopmund – Henties Bay – Uis – Kamanjab road upgrade (Phase I, Section B between Henties Bay and Uis), Erongo Region.
Additionally, the Windhoek-Hosea Kutako International Airport road upgrade to a dual carriageway (Phase 2, Section 2A between Sam Nujoma Interchange and Dordabis Interchange), Khomas Region. Windhoek-Hosea Kutako International Airport road upgrade to dual carriageway (Phase 2 between Dordabis Interchange and Hosea Kutako International Airport), Khomas Region.
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Furthermore, the Windhoek-Hosea Kutako International Airport road upgrade to dual carriageway Southern link to Windhoek – Rehoboth police Road Block, Khomas Region. Swakopmund –Kamanjab road upgrade to bitumen standards (Phase II, Section A between Kamanjab and Khorixas), Erongo & Kunene Regions.
In cases where continental and international development partners are involved, the Roads Authority is usually required to harmonize the bidding documents. This is to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of the financing agreements. Additionally, conditions on the international bidding requirements and the bidder’s minimum technical specifications need harmonization.