Heather Erdmann
The final 1.5-kilometre (km) section of Windhoek’s Southern Link dual carriageway, connecting the Auaspoort Interchange to the B1 towards Rehoboth, was officially opened last Thursday by Works and Transport Minister Veikko Nekundi.
The new section completed a key connection intended to improve traffic flow, road safety and access between southern Windhoek and the B1.
Nekundi said the connection linked the Auaspoort Interchange, its bridge structures and the dual carriageway serving the Gobabis Interchange, the University of Namibia (Unam) precinct and the Windhoek Country Club area into an integrated route with direct access to the B1 towards the south.
He said the route also provided access to national facilities, including the Police Roadblock, the Army Base and Heroes Acre.
Roads Authority (RA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mbahupu Hippy Tjivikua said the Southern Link was expected to improve traffic circulation in southern Windhoek, ease congestion in Olympia, Prosperita and Cimbebasia, and reduce pressure along Auaspoort Road.
Tjivikua said the route would provide a more direct connection for commuters, freight operators and long-distance travellers, while improving access to public services, strengthening logistics efficiency, and shortening travel between Windhoek and Rehoboth.
The project incorporated road-safety features such as separated carriageways designed to reduce head-on collisions, controlled interchange connections, modern bridge structures, stormwater drainage and street lighting to improve visibility at night.
The broader development comprised approximately 4.4 km of dual carriageway, the Auaspoort Interchange bridge system, and ramps, contributing to approximately 11 km of bitumen-surfaced roadway. It also included a one-kilometre access road to the Police Roadblock.
Tjivikua described the construction as a significant engineering achievement, citing the geographical and technical challenges of building through mountainous terrain. He thanked the institutions, professionals and workers who contributed to completing the project.
The project had a total budget of approximately N$231.6 million, comprising N$220.1 million for construction and N$11.4 million for consultant services. Of the construction investment, N$50 million was allocated to 15 small and medium enterprises.
The Roads Authority implemented the project, with Lithon Project Consultants serving as consulting engineers and the China Railway Seventh Group–Onamagongwa Trading Enterprises joint venture undertaking construction alongside the 15 SMEs.
The Southern Link corridor was planned to extend progressively southward from Windhoek towards Rehoboth, subject to future funding.
-herdmann@nepc.com.na
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