Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi was in the Kunene Region, tracking the progress of major ongoing road and aviation projects. These include links like the Opuwo-Okanguati, Opuwo-Etanga, and Kaoko Otavi-Opuwo roads, alongside the Oute Road, Oute Bridge, and the Opuwo Aerodrome. 

These sites follow the groundbreakings by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah last year.

Nekundi assessed progress on the two primary roads, the Opuwo-Okanguati road to be constructed to bitumen standards, and it is budgeted at one million dollars in this financial year.

The second priority road is the access road from Opuwo to Etanga Road leading to Oute Bridge.

The government has budgeted N$48 million for the construction of the 100-metre Oute bridge and another N$39 million for the Oute road itself.

The minister also inspected the Kaoko-Otavi-Oruvandjei-West, which is not yet budgeted for in this financial year.

"This is the road that I also came to check because I've been hearing quite a number of complaints from the communities. There is a particular section on which we are now moving further, which is a strength of 15 kilometres, and it takes plus or minus two hours to drive over the 15 kilometres, so it's worrisome, and I need to acquaint myself with the situation in our planning as we are continuing on our roads. These are the issues that we need to take into consideration."

The minister also made it clear that the mistreatment of workers will not be accepted, instructing contractors to ensure that employment contracts are signed and workers are paid on time.

"I made it very clear to the colleagues of Roads Authorities, consultants and whoever the contractor is that there should be no ill treatment. Employees must be appreciated for their skills and whatever level they add value to the totality of the construction of products; they add value to the totality of Namibia in which everyone's rights are being respected irrespective of how much we earn or irrespective of how many qualifications we have in our domains."

Nekundi further urged contractors to prioritise the employment of local residents by providing temporary job opportunities, saying this would help empower communities and promote their participation in the mainstream economy.

He said the timely completion of government-funded infrastructure projects is essential to improving road safety, enhancing driving comfort, and supporting economic development.

From Kunene the minister proceeds to the Omusati region to inspect the 43-kilometre Tsandi-Onesi-Epalela road project, which will be constructed to bitumen standard.

That project was budgeted for two financial years at N$277 million.