The proposed construction of two pedestrian bridges along Windhoek’s Western Bypass, estimated to cost taxpayers N$70 million, has come under scrutiny, with shadow minister of works and transport Nelson Kalangula demanding a detailed breakdown of the projected expenditure.
Kalangula has questioned the estimated N$35 million cost per bridge, asking line minister Veikko Nekundi to explain how the figures were calculated and whether the proposed expenditure represents value for money.
He tabled his notices of questions in the National Assembly on Tuesday.
The construction of the bridges is set to commence in November.
Kalangula wants an itemised breakdown covering construction materials, labour, environmental assessments, engineering consultancy and design fees.
“Can the ministry justify the price by comparing it with the cost of similar infrastructure, including the bridge with pedestrian sidewalks near China Town?” he asked.
The questions follow public criticism over speed humps installed along the same bypass in mid-2026, reportedly costing more than N$700 000 and causing traffic congestion.
Kalangula is demanding safeguards against cost overruns, project delays and variation orders, which can increase the final cost of public infrastructure projects.
He questioned the priority given to the bridges amid competing national needs, including rural road maintenance, medicine shortages, housing shortages and inadequate educational infrastructure.
The minister is expected to explain how the N$70 million project fits into the government’s infrastructure priorities and what measures will ensure accountability in the use of public funds next Thursday.
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