China continues to assist Namibia in road upgrades

WINDHOEK, April 27 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's President Hage Geingob on Friday officially opened a road that was upgraded to bitumen standards by China Henan International Cooperation Group Co., Ltd. (CHICO).

The Okamatapati-Grootfontein Road upgrade is a continuation of the bitumen road between Gobabis and Otjinene that was inaugurated by the then President Hifikepunye Pohamba in 2012. It forms part of Route 301 of the Southern African (SADC) Regional Trunk Road Network and is therefore of national, regional and international significance.

Geingob at the event said the upgrading to bitumen standard of the road, which is part of the Gobabis-Otjinene-Okamatapati road, totaling 231 kilometers, is a testament of government's unwavering commitment to deliver on its promise to the people.

"This stretch of road, is therefore part of our commitment to ensure that Namibia solidifies its gateway status and establishes itself as a regional logistics hub. This route will be able to link Mozambique, South Africa, Botswana and Angola, via Namibia," he added.

According to the President the economic spinoffs the country can expect from this 55.1 million U.S. dollar investment, which was fully funded by the Namibian Government, are therefore manifold.

The president then thanked the contractor CHICO, the consultant WML Element and Bicon Joint Venture, and all the workers, whose dedication has brought the project to fruition.

The Chinese company started work on the road in November 2014 and completed it in 40 months. Enditem