Nekundi showers praises on China-Namibia cooperation on highway launch

STAFF WRITER

Minister of Works and Transport Veikko Nekundi has showered praises on Namibia-China cooperation following the inauguration of the Hage Geingob Freeway linking the capital Windhoek  to the Hosea Kutako International Airport.

Speaking at the inauguration this week Nekundi said the pfreeway , a legacy project of former President Hage Geingob’s Harambee Prosperity Plan, is a perfect example of how local and international contractors can work together in infrastructure development.

“It is important to note that the Government of the Republic of Namibia recognises that a healthy balance between foreign contractors and local contractors is critical to achieving success. It is for this reason that the Namibian Government has consistently advocated for viable joint ventures between local and foreign contractors. Infrastructure must not only connect places, it must also uplift people,” Nekundi said.

The dual carriage way was constructed in three phases. 

Phase 1, spanning 8 kilometres, was funded by the Government at a total cost of N$1.5 billion,  Phase 2A, covering 19.5 kilometres, was co-funded by Namibia and the African Development Bank at a total cost of N$950 million while Phase 2B, extending 21.5 kilometres, was funded by China at a total cost of N$1.1 billion.

“I would like to use this platform to express our profound appreciation to the Government of the People’s Republic of China for their generous funding of the entire Phase 2B of this critical project. This substantial investment demonstrates the strong bilateral relations between our nations and China’s continued support for Namibia’s development

Agenda,” Nekundi said.

He added that, “ I also wish to extend our sincere gratitude to the African Development Bank for their invaluable partnership in co-funding Phase 2A of the Hage Geingob Freeway construction, alongside the Government of the Republic of Namibia. This collaboration exemplifies the spirit of continental cooperation and shared commitment to infrastructure development that will benefit our nation for generations to come.”