Allexer Namundjembo  Infrastructure is central to building an inclusive economy that leaves no region behind, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has said.  She spoke on Wednesday while at the groundbreaking of two projects in the Kunene region.  The projects that broke ground are the upgrade of the Opuwo–Otjivize–Okangwati–Omaseratundu road and the construction of the Oute Bridge at […]

Allexer Namundjembo  Infrastructure is central to building an inclusive economy that leaves no region behind, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has said.  She spoke on Wednesday while at the groundbreaking of two projects in the Kunene region.  The projects that broke ground are the upgrade of the Opuwo–Otjivize–Okangwati–Omaseratundu road and the construction of the Oute Bridge at Etanga. “Infrastructure serves as a bridge, not just across rivers, but across divides of opportunity, access and development,” she said. The 280-kilometre Opuwo–Otjivize–Okangwati–Omaseratundu road is now under construction and will link Opuwo to the Baynes Hydro Power Project and Epupa.  The government will entirely fund the first 75-kilometre stretch from Opuwo to Otjivize, at a cost of N$991 million. “This project marks yet another important milestone in our national efforts to develop sustainable infrastructure that connects communities, unlocks economic potential, and supports strategic national projects,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said. She said the road will strengthen tourism, agriculture and energy development in Kunene while improving access to healthcare, education and markets.  “The Kunene region has potential for tourism, agriculture, energy, and culture. However, accessibility remains a major challenge. Once completed, this project will transform the lives of our people,” she said. The project is expected to create about 300 jobs during its two-year and four-month construction period. Local communities and SMEs will be involved to ensure that benefits reach people directly. “The construction of this road is also about creating employment opportunities, skills transfer, and local empowerment,” she said. Later in the day, Nandi-Ndaitwah also broke ground for the Oute Bridge in Etanga.  The bridge aims to end years of seasonal isolation caused by flooding of the Oute River, which often cuts communities off from health, education and administrative services. “Every rainy season, the Oute River crossing is closed off, isolating families and communities. These are not mere inconveniences; they are life-threatening realities that no Namibian should continue to endure,” she said. The bridge, which will take 12 months to complete, will connect Etanga, Orupembe and surrounding villages to Opuwo, providing safe, year-round access to essential services. Local workers and SMEs will participate in the work. “The Oute Bridge represents our commitment to ensure that no community is left behind. It is a symbol of hope, safety, and progress for the people of Etanga, Orupembe, and Kunene,” she said. Nandi-Ndaitwah called on contractors and all stakeholders to ensure transparency, accountability and quality as the two projects move forward. 

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has warned contractors working on road infrastructure projects in the Kunene Region not to inflate tender costs after they have already been agreed upon. The President was speaking at the commissioning of the construction of the Opuwo-Otjivize-Okangwati-Omaseratundu road and the Oute Bridge on the district road. During the groundbreaking ceremonies of the two projects, the President stated that some contractors are in the habit of milking the government after they commence with the work and demand extra money from contingency funds. Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah explained that contingency funds are for pressing and unforeseen expenses only. "Contingence is contingence. As a mother, you know it; we have that special pot with a meal in case of emergency, and you don't finish it. And this is the same way in the state; you use it when there really is an emergency, not a created situation where you have to spend money that can be spent on other developmental programmes." Upon her arrival in the region, she visited the site of the Oute River bridge in Orotjitambi village, which is expected to be completed within a year, stating that the bridge will serve not only the local population but also contribute to broader national efforts. "It's also part of our broader national efforts to enhance connectivity, promote regional equity and safeguard the welfare of our people." Once completed, the road will enable residents and visitors to have unlimited access to healthcare, education, and other services when the seasons change. "As you know, this Oute Bridge is along the road 3703, which links Opuwo to Entanga, and it's not just a road; it's a lifeline which is connecting rural communities to Opuwo, the main centre for economic, social and government services, and that's why I am saying we don't need to be told; we know the importance of this road." In the region's capital town of Opuwo, the President said the construction of the Opuwo-Otjivezi-Okangwati-Omaserandu road will create 300 temporary jobs. Fifteen subcontractors are being appointed to assist over a period of 28 months, building the road for N$991 million. The President urged those who will be employed to refrain from deliberately sabotaging the developmental initiative at the cost of the Namibian people, who yearn for better road infrastructure. Nandi-Ndaitwah added that the Kunene Region, like the rest of the country, needs safe and reliable roads for its social and economic development and to fight poverty.

Staff Reporter THE upgrading to bitumen standard of the Opuwo–Otjivize–Okangwati–Omaseratundu road has officially started. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah on Wednesday officiated at the project’s groundbreaking ceremony, marking a new chapter in the country’s commitment to building sustainable infrastructure that connects communities, unlocks economic potential, and supports strategic national projects. President Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasised that such initiatives are vital to Namibia’s long-term development goals. --- --- According to her, roads not only play an important role in facilitating the export and import of goods between Namibia and other countries, but also enable access to government services such as health centres and schools. The President said that the Kunene Region holds great potential for tourism, agriculture, energy, and culture; however, accessibility remains a major challenge. Once completed, the road will transform the lives of the people and bring about tangible benefits such as a reduction in travel time and transport costs, as well as improvement in road safety and reliability. President Nandi-Ndaitwah reiterated that upgrading roads to bitumen standard contributes to uplifting the social well-being of people across the country, ensuring equitable and shared prosperity for all. The President further highlighted that the project is not only about improving road infrastructure but also about creating employment opportunities, transferring skills, and empowering local communities. She urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure that the project is implemented with excellence, transparency, and accountability, standing as a testament to what can be achieved when Namibia invests in the future of its people. The post NNN launches the construction of a vital road in the Kunene Region appeared first on Informanté.

Staff Reporter THE Governor of the Kunene Region, Vipuakuje Muharukua, has voiced serious concern over the region’s deteriorating and underdeveloped road infrastructure, warning that it poses safety risks and hampers development. “I also specifically know that the D3705 Road — the 206km road stretching between Opuwo, Etanga and Okangwati — crosses large rivers and has proven to cause our community serious hardships, especially during the rainy seasons,” he said. The governor made these remarks during his recent State of the Region Address in Opuwo. He revealed that the region has only 537 kilometres of bitumen-paved roads, with Kunene North accounting for just 56 kilometres — specifically the MR100 Road between Opuwo and Omakange. In contrast, the remainder of the region’s 4,449-kilometre road network consists of non-bitumen roads, made up of gravel, ash tracks, salt, and other surface types. The state of these roads, he stressed, is dire and lacks proper drainage systems, which further worsens the already poor conditions. “The lack of drainage results in sections of our roads being washed away, necessitating the re-gravelling of many parts, and this means that the Roads Authority continues to spend money on the same thing over and over again,” Muharukua added. The governor confirmed that efforts are underway to improve the region’s road network. He revealed that the upgrading of the D3700 Road in the region has commenced, as well as the MR76 between Khorixas and Kamanjab. However, he made it clear that more effort is required to improve the region’s road infrastructure, which he said will be quite costly — possibly surpassing N\$20 million. “The Roads Authority estimates that the D3710, the MR124, the D3709, D3701, D3602 roads among many others in Kunene North, can be repaired at a total cost of N\$20,441,713.98,” Muharukua said. While costly, he stressed that these efforts are necessary, as poor road infrastructure is a major barrier to the region’s development. “It is no secret that the Kunene Region has been significantly prejudiced by the social and economic criteria for national road construction. When we say the Kunene Region has opportunities, but impossibilities have been the order of the day — the underdeveloped road network and poor infrastructure are chief among the factors that have been holding us back,” he said. The post Muharukua concerned about Kunene’s failing road infrastructure appeared first on Informanté.

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Kunene Regional Council has secured funding for the establishment of Okangwati Extension 3 under the national development budget.  This move sets plans in motion to formalise and expand the settlement’s residential and business areas. Chief Regional Officer, George Kamseb, said the township project aligns with the priorities of the Sixth National Development Plan and the National Housing Policy of 2023, which promote sustainable human settlements. “Funding has been secured under the Development Budget for the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework for the years 2025/26 to 2027/28,” Kamseb said. The council will oversee needs and feasibility assessments, environmental impact studies, the draughting of the township layout plan, and the installation of basic infrastructure such as roads, water, electricity, and sewer systems. The township, to be called Okangwati Extension 3, aims to address severe housing shortages and improve access to services for ultra-low-income residents. It will consist of residential, business, and institutional erven, according to a public notice issued earlier this year. “The establishment of the township will facilitate an adequate supply of residential, business, institutional, and civic erven to cater to the town’s ultra-low-income residents and upgrade existing infrastructure,” the notice stated. Okangwati is situated about 110 kilometres north of Opuwo, along the Omuhongo River. It currently has limited infrastructure, with a health centre, police station, and a combined school providing basic services. To ensure fairness in land distribution, Kamseb said the council would implement transparency measures.  These include public awareness campaigns, prioritising individuals already on the settlement’s waiting list, and giving preference to first-time residential land applicants. “To facilitate applications for land acquisition by interested individuals via the Settlement Area Office. To prioritise individuals on the waiting list over new applicants to ensure fair allocation on a first-come, first-served basis. Prioritise first-time residential land applicants over existing landowners,” Kamseb said. Applications for land will be processed at the Okangwati Settlement Area Office on a first-come, first-served basis. The council has appointed Ritta Khiba Planning Consultants to handle the technical aspects of the project.  This includes preparing the township establishment application for the Urban and Regional Planning Board.  The development will follow the Urban and Regional Planning Act of 2018, which governs land subdivision, consolidation, and township creation in Namibia.

Hertta-maria Amutenja  Plans are underway for the development of Okangwati Extension 3, a new township at Okangwati Settlement to address housing and infrastructure challenges for ultra-low-income residents in the Kunene Region. The Kunene Regional Council, acting on behalf of the Okangwati Settlement Council, has initiated the project, which will include residential, business, and institutional erven.  The township is intended to improve service delivery and upgrade existing infrastructure in Okangwati. A public notice published in local newspapers announced that Ritta Khiba Planning Consultants had been appointed to oversee the process and would be applying to the Urban and Regional Planning Board for formal approval. “The establishment of the township will facilitate an adequate supply of residential, business, institutional, and civic erven to cater to the town’s ultra-low-income residents and upgrade existing infrastructure. This will create a conducive environment for residents of Okangwati Settlement to live in,” read the notice. However, several details remain unclear, including timelines, service delivery plans, and whether the application for township establishment has already been submitted. The notice does not include information on the provision of water, electricity, sanitation, or road networks. The Kunene Regional Council and the consultants have not responded to queries regarding the township plans by the time of publication. Okangwati, a settlement in the Epupa Constituency of the Kunene Region, is located about 110 kilometres north of Opuwo, the regional capital, on the banks of the Omuhongo River. It currently has a health centre, a police station, and the Okangwati Combined School, but access to basic infrastructure remains limited. While the notice confirms the intention to apply for township establishment, it does not specify whether the application has already been submitted or when a decision can be expected. The approval process typically includes environmental assessments, infrastructure evaluations, and community consultations, but no public engagement sessions have been announced.

Staff Reporter THE north-western part of the country was not spared from the effects of the recent heavy rainfall. Okangwati, in the Kunene Region, in particular, was struck by a powerful thunderstorm on Tuesday, causing flooding in parts of the town. Outjo and the surrounding areas also experienced significant rainfall, though not as intense as in Okangwati. The impact of the rain in Outjo and its surroundings was captured and shared by Okutala Etosha Lodge on Facebook, highlighting the lodge’s drenched premises following the downpour. EFFECTS OF RECENT RAIN IN KUNENE: Photos and videos showing impact of recent rain in Kunene Region. Photos and Videos: Facebook (Okutala Etosha Lodge; Bouts Corneluis Petrus; Zocks Shipanga; Puros Bush Lodge & Camp; Marlene Du Plessis Ebersohn). --- Additionally, the region’s rivers, including the Hoarusib River and the mighty Kunene River, have been replenished by the recent rainfall. According to the Hydrological Services of Namibia, the Kunene River recorded a flow of 711.30 m³/s on Tuesday, 25 March 2025—an impressive increase from the 355.30 m³/s recorded on the same date last year, as well as from the 299.10 m³/s recorded the previous week, on Tuesday, 18 March 2025. This may not mark the end of the Kunene’s intense rainfall. In fact, the Namibia Meteorological Services has predicted further showers for the Kunene Region on Thursday. Thursday’s rainfall will not only focus on the north-western parts of the country but is also likely to affect the Hardap Region, which, like the Kunene Region, was heavily impacted by recent rainfall, leaving some areas such as Kalkrand flooded and damaging properties. The post Okangwati hit hard by recent storm, more rainfall expected in Kunene Region appeared first on Informanté.

[Namibian] The areas of Opuwo, Okangwati, and Orumana have been without power since Monday due to an outage at the Namibia Power Corporation (NamPower) substation at Ruacana.

The areas of Opuwo, Okangwati, and Orumana have been without power since Monday due to an outage at the Namibia Power Corporation (NamPower) substation at Ruacana. In response to public outcry over power outages, NamPower has explained that the recent…