Construction of access roads leading to Masida and Makanga Villages in the Zambezi Region is expected to be completed this year.

Initially, the two access roads were meant to be upgraded to gravel before the Roads Authority (RA) revised that decision to design them at low-volume seal level.

During an inspection visit at Masida, RA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Conrad Lutombi said he was pleased with the progress achieved so far.

"So far, we are on track; very soon, we will start with the surfacing after we are done with the base. We are very happy; I'm quite happy. And the completion date is still August this year for both access roads."

Challenges, he said, include delays during the rainy season, the need for compensation for affected community members, and delayed payments to the contractor.

He added that residents are eager to contribute to the project's completion while noting that payment for both compensation and construction will be made.

Two boreholes were constructed on either side of this project and will be donated after completion of the roads. 

Lutombi noted the need for desalination of the Masida borehole before it can be handed over to the community.

"The water is salty; we will see how we can, because we want to donate the project so that the water is fit for human consumption, and we normally do that with the ministry dealing with the lands and water affairs, so we will assess. We have sent the tests of this water to the lab, and we are still waiting for feedback."

Dr. Lutombi said that there are plans for several projects around the region in the near future, including upgrading the Sibbinda-Linyanti Road to low-volume seal level, for which a feasibility study has been completed.

Other projects in the pipeline include upgrades to the Nukwa-Nongozi and Machita-Masokotwani-Kwena roads.

The Roads Authority is currently working on the access road to Sangwali Clinic, which they will visit on Friday. 

That is in addition to the assistance offered to the Katima Mulilo Town Council in constructing its major roads this year.

"We signed a memorandum of agreement to assist them; it's between the Roads Authority and the Road Fund Administration, as well as the Katima Mulilo Town Council. We have commenced with the procurement process, with the closing date this June. We also want to do the upgrading of full drainage structures of Dr. Hage Geingob, as well as Sam Nujoma Street. These will be some of the projects we will be undertaking this year."