Hifikepunye Pohamba Freeway created 640 jobs during construction

By Adolf Kaure

The MR44 Hifikepunye Pohamba Freeway created 640 jobs, and N$200 million was spent on local suppliers.
The freeway, previously referred to as the “road behind Dune 7”, stretches for 42 kilometres, linking the coastal towns of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund.
President Nangola Mbumba, who inaugurated the freeway last week, said the project has also made meaningful contributions to job creation.
“I am glad to note that a total of 40 local suppliers and subcontractors, as well as eleven SME subcontractors, participated in this project.
“N$200 million was spent on local suppliers (N$150 million) and SME subcontractors (N$50 million), and approximately 650 jobs were created for local people during the construction,” he said.
Mbumba said the freeway’s completion marks a significant achievement in our pursuit of economic growth.
“We can proudly say that his Vision 2030 remains alive in every kilometre of new roads we build, every new job we create, and every business opportunity we unlock for future generations.
“Let us continue working together to build a peaceful, connected and prosperous Namibia,” said Mbumba.
He further said that Namibia’s road network is a crucial enabler that links the country to its neighbours through key corridors.
“This is a welcome and much-needed addition to our national road network. These corridors serve as vital arteries for trade, fostering economic cooperation in the SADC region,” he said.
Some key transport corridors include the Trans-Kalahari Corridor, the Walvis Bay-Ndola-Lubumbashi Development Corridor, the Trans-Cunene Corridor and the Trans-Oranje Corridor.
PHASE 2 OF THE PROJECT
Phase 2 of the project, which extends the dual carriageway from Main Road 44 to the Walvis Bay Traffic Circle, is underway. Completion for this phase is set for mid-2025.
Additionally, plans are in place to rehabilitate the main 30km road between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, with construction set to commence in April 2026.
Mbumba praised the Roads Authority for their diligence in overseeing the project.
He also commended the main contractor, UNIK/Thohi Joint Venture and the consulting firm, SMEC Namibia for their expertise and dedication.

Thohi Joint Venture and the consulting firm, SMEC Namibia for their expertise and dedication.