Infrastructure
N$498.6 Million Karibib-Usakos Road Upgrade Strengthens Namibia’s Trade Corridor
Namibia has officially commissioned the N$498.6M upgraded Karibib–Usakos road, boosting SADC trade links and regional safety.
By: Johanna N Festus
Namibia’s regional trade ambitions have received a boost following the completion of a N$498.6 million upgrade of the 31.2-kilometre Trunk Road 7/1 between Karibib and Usakos, a key section of the transport network linking regional markets to the Port of Walvis Bay.
The road was officially opened on earlier this month by Works and Transport Minister,Veikko Nekundi, Erongo Governor, Nathalia /Goagoses and Germany’s Ambassador to Namibia, Thomas Wimmer.
The upgraded road has been expanded to a 2+1 carriageway, with dedicated overtaking lanes, widened shoulders and new surfacing designed to improve road safety and ease congestion along the busy route.
According to a Joint statement issued by the German Cooperation and Roads Authority, the road forms part of several logistics corridors connecting other Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries to the Port of Walvis Bay, making it important for the movement of goods and Namibia’s efforts to establish itself as a regional logistics hub.
Improved road infrastructure along these routes can support more efficient freight movement, strengthen links between regional markets and the coast, and improve access for businesses operating along the corridor.
The project was supported through Namibian-German Development Cooperation, with Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, through KfW Development Bank, providing an interest-reduced loan of N$372.6 million.
The loan forms part of a broader N$1.3 billion road rehabilitation programme supporting three infrastructure projects, including the Windhoek-Okahandja corridor, a section of the B1 between Keetmanshoop and Mariental, and the Karibib-Usakos road.
The joint statement further revealed that beyond the main road works, the contract included improvements to town infrastructure, with new parking bays in Karibib and a roundabout in Usakos. Construction is still under way on a bridge over the Kanone River to provide a connection to the hospital in Usakos.
The project has also created opportunities for local businesses and workers.
Zhongmei Engineering Group served as the main contractor, working alongside four Namibian partner companies: Tangeni OM Trading Enterprises CC, West Trading CC, INO Investment Holding (Pty) Ltd and Alughodi Engineering & Construction CC.
The local partners’ share of the contract is estimated at 25%, while additional small and medium-sized enterprises provided road-marking, cleaning and security services.
According to information shared by the partners, more than 500 people have been employed on the project to date, of whom 25% are women. Materials such as cement, steel, fuel, interlocks, aggregates and kerbing were also procured locally, supporting domestic suppliers.
