RA unveils strategic priorities, digital plans

WINDHOEK, 27 MAR (NAMPA) - The Roads Authority (RA) has prioritised the rehabilitation of ageing road infrastructure, improved maintenance and the rollout of digital services to enhance service delivery across Namibia.

RA Chief Executive Officer, Hippy Mbahupu Tjivikua, said this during a media engagement held in Windhoek on Thursday.

He said the authority is dealing with an ageing road network, with some roads having exceeded their design lifespan, while recent heavy rains have caused further damage to infrastructure in parts of the country.

“Our teams are already on the ground attending to emergency repairs on roads affected by rain damage,” he said.

Tjivikua said infrastructure development should be planned with future demand in mind.

“We do not build infrastructure for now, but for the next 20 to 50 years,” he said.

He added that key road corridors across the country are being prioritised for rehabilitation and upgrading, while a new strategic plan is set to be launched next month.

Road safety, he said, remains a key priority, and he called for increased public awareness and responsible use of roads.

“Every life lost on our roads is one too many,” he said.

RA Executive Officer for Engineering Services Conrad Lutombi Muatjetjeja said Namibia’s road network stretches over approximately 50 000 kilometres and consists of both surfaced and unsurfaced roads.

He said the authority requires about N.dollars 5 billion annually to maintain the network effectively, but current funding levels remain below this, contributing to a maintenance backlog.

“If maintenance is not done on time, the cost increases and ultimately affects the road user,” he said.

Meanwhile, Acting Executive Officer for Transportation Tauko Nambinga said the authority is implementing digital systems to improve access to services.

“We are digitising our services to allow customers to access them from anywhere at any time,” he said.
(NAMPA)
MWY/HP