Staff Reporter
THE 42-kilometre Dr Hifikepunye Pohamba Freeway, linking Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, has officially been opened.
“The MR 44, Dr Hifikepunye Pohamba Freeway, previously referred to as the ‘road behind Dune 7,’ stretches 42 kilometres, linking the coastal towns of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. This is a welcome and much-needed addition to our national road network,” President Nangolo Mbumba said at the official opening of the road.
The president revealed that a total of 40 local suppliers and subcontractors, along with 11 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) subcontractors, participated in this project, with N$150 million spent on local suppliers and N$50 million on SME subcontractors. In addition, he disclosed that around 650 jobs were created for local people during the construction.
OPEN: Scenes from the opening of the Dr Hifikepunye Pohamba Freeway. Photos: Namibian Presidency. 
OPEN: Scenes from the opening of the Dr Hifikepunye Pohamba Freeway. Photos: Namibian Presidency. 
OPEN: Scenes from the opening of the Dr Hifikepunye Pohamba Freeway. Photos: Namibian Presidency. 
OPEN: Scenes from the opening of the Dr Hifikepunye Pohamba Freeway. Photos: Namibian Presidency. 
OPEN: Scenes from the opening of the Dr Hifikepunye Pohamba Freeway. Photos: Namibian Presidency. 
OPEN: Scenes from the opening of the Dr Hifikepunye Pohamba Freeway. Photos: Namibian Presidency. 
OPEN: Scenes from the opening of the Dr Hifikepunye Pohamba Freeway. Photos: Namibian Presidency. 
OPEN: Scenes from the opening of the Dr Hifikepunye Pohamba Freeway. Photos: Namibian Presidency. 
OPEN: Scenes from the opening of the Dr Hifikepunye Pohamba Freeway. Photos: Namibian Presidency. 
OPEN: Scenes from the opening of the Dr Hifikepunye Pohamba Freeway. Photos: Namibian Presidency.
President Mbumba further emphasised that Namibia’s road network is a crucial economic enabler, linking the country to its neighbours through key transport corridors, such as the Trans-Kalahari Corridor, the Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi Development Corridor, the Trans-Cunene Corridor, and the Trans-Oranje Corridor. These corridors, he added, serve as vital arteries for trade, fostering economic cooperation in the SADC region.
“This road network is in line with our initiative to transform Namibia into a logistics hub for the region. Beyond its strategic benefits, this project has also made meaningful contributions to job creation and economic growth,” he added.
The president also announced that phase 2 of this project, which aims to extend the dual carriageway from Main Road 44 to the Walvis Bay Traffic Circle, is already underway, with completion expected by mid-2025.
“We commend the Roads Authority for their diligence in overseeing the project, as well as UNIK/Thohi Joint Venture, the main contractor, and SMEC Namibia, the consulting firm, for their expertise and dedication,” the president added.
