NDP 5 - Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Support Program

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The road network forms the backbone of the Namibian economy. An area three times the size of Germany has only two and a half million inhabitants. Due to the low population density, the national markets are extremely dependent on transport. The network costs per capita are among the highest in the world. The sustainable financing of transport routes is a major challenge for the country due to this structural situation alone. The government often lacks the resources to adequately maintain the road network. The low-interest loan is intended to rehabilitate the approximately 30 km long section of the TR 7/1 road between Usakos and Karibib, which, at over 50 years old, urgently needs to be renewed and is also central to achieving the objectives of NDP 5. The section of road, which is important for national and regional traffic, is one of the most accident-prone in Namibia due to its high volume of traffic and lack of overtaking opportunities. Currently, 91 accidents occur on this section every year. In addition to rehabilitating the current lanes, it is planned to add an overtaking lane in sections. This is intended to allow smaller vehicles in particular to overtake slower trucks safely. To ensure safety, especially for the residents of the villages of Usakos and Karibib, roundabouts and speed bumps are to be integrated at the village entrances. In addition, around 80 flood culverts and three bridges will be widened to better prevent flooding on the route. As in the previous phases, the building contractor will work with smaller Namibian construction companies this time too. The Namibian construction companies are expected to implement at least 25% of the total contract value.