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.