Maria David
THE Deputy Minister of Works and Transport, Veikko Nekundi has on Friday commissioned the commencement of the construction of the Onakalunga-Epinga road in the Ohangwena region.
The road which is approximately 10 kilometres long, will be constructed to gravel standards and the cost of N$31.4 million will be co-funded by the Namibian and German governments.
Nekundi stated that the construction of the Onakalunga-Epinga road is part of the government’s implementation of development objectives that include the delivery of road infrastructure in all the corners of the country.
“It has been said recklessly that government has done nothing, but the evidence is everywhere. Government has the ears and heart to listen to the cries of the people,” he said.
He explained that he only just heard of the Epinga area, but doesn’t know where it is located. This is a sign that the government is striving to bring development closer to the people.
“We are not ignoring your cries or do not want to lend a helping hand, but due to scarcity of resources, the government is unable to bring development at the tip of a finger,” he said.
Nekundi noted that there are 14 regions that translate to 121 constituencies and all need development.
“We are committed to ensuring development is brought closer to the people and we shall strive to bring development to your doorstep,” he added.
Nekundi stressed that he was made aware by the regional leadership of contractors and sub-contractors paying labourers peanuts.
He said that it will not be accepted and any company that has to pay any of the workers minimum fees that are not gazetted, the Roads Authority (RA) should take note and blacklist the company and if need be terminate the contract.
Ohangwena governor Walde Ndevashiya has appealed to the Ministry of Works and Transport and RA to make special considerations when allocating budget for roads infrastructures development.
Ndevashiya noted that the development of the Onakalunga-Epinga road is a long-overdue project.
He explained that the road structure has been in bad condition and making it difficult to make use of the road, despite having a four-wheel vehicle.
“Ohangwena is not the only region in dire need of proper road and other infrastructure developments, but all regions. However, we are receiving a slice of cake from the government,” he noted.
