N$4
namib times
SERVING THE COASTAL COMMUNITY SINCE 1958 NO 6759 TUESDAY 12 JUNE 2018 Tel: +264 64 - 205854 / +264 64 - 461866 /Fax: +264 64 - 204813 / 064 - 461824 / Website: www.namibtimes.net
N$1,2 billion road building projects in the coastal region completed by October 2019 Sharlien Tjambari The construction of all three major roads in the central coastal region are expected to conclude by October 2019, according to the CEO of the Roads Authority, Mr. Conrad Lutombi. Lutombi paid site visits to the MR 44 (the road behind the dunes between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund), the MR 36 (Swakopmund to Henties Bay) and the TR2/1 (Henties Bay to Uis) on Friday and expressed his satisfaction with progress with the projects which in total has a price tag of over N$1 billion. “I am very impressed and happy with the progress made by the contractors. There has been a great improvement since the last visit from the Minister (of Transport). I must also say, last year we had issues of outstanding invoices and I am happy that we do not have the same problem this year”, said Lutombi during one of the site visits. Lutombi further said that the MR36 and TR2/1 are key road projects as it will raise the profile of the port of Walvis Bay as a key port linked by well developed networks
with markets in all of Namibia’s neighbouring countries and even the Democratic Republic of Congo. Lutombi admitted the construction of the MR36 was challenging. With all difficulties over now, he looks forward to the completion of the road and expectations the road will also increase the influx of tourists to Henties Bay and the hinterland as it would make towns like Uis, Khorixas and Kamanjab more accessible from the coast. Wolfgang Hundemer, the engineer in charge of the construction of the Mr36, confirmed there are some of the sections of the road which are completed and open. He further said in about four weeks, the Henties Bay bypass will be open for use. In briefing Lutombi, Hundemer explained the only challenge they have is funding. “We only have 150 million on the new budget and so far we have spent N$208 million. Completion
is at the 45% mark”. Heiko Klink the engineer for VKE Namibia Consulting, who is in charge of the MR44 and MR52, confirmed the Swakopmund MR52 interchange is almost complete and they have started with the surfacing of the road. Construction of the road bridge over the Swakop River is in full swing. The costs involved in the MR44 road and the Swakopmund interchange is N$969 million. The MR44 road will have three bridges. Lutombi added that detailed designs for the B2 upgrade are ready and the upgrade of the B2 main road will commence as soon as Roads Authority gets funding. “This project is part of the Harambee Prosperity Plan and it is vital that we complete it too without delay”. All projects (excluding B2) are expected to be completed by October 2019. Albeit, that no delays occur. In the meantime, Lutombi also called on all road users to Continues on page 2
Nuclear imaging facility now open at the coast
inside
Tulonga Honoured after rescuing baby
Page 3
Illegal hunters arrested The Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, Juliet Kavetuna, inaugurated the facility of Namibia Nuclear Imaging Swakopmund on Thursday. See report on page 2
Page 4
Winter Man found dead in his Nights flat after freak accident 2018 Sharlien Tjambari A resident of Swakopmund, Absalom Haikali (48), was found dead in his garden flat at house no. 5 in the town's Molen Road on Friday morning at around 11:00. It is suspected that Haikali died of a head injury he sustained earlier when apparently jumping over the wall of the premises and in the process hit his head on a wooden water meter box. The Erongo region's H a i k a l i ' s w h e r e - When Haikali did not respond to the friend's crime investigations abouts. coordinator, Deputy The friend observed knocks and calls, the Commissioner Eras- blood stains on the in- friend became suspitus Iikuyu, confirmed terlocks on the premi- cious and phoned the the incident and ex- ses. The blood stains Police. When the poplained a friend of lead to the garden lice arrived at the sceHaikali tried several flat's entrance. It was ne, the door of the flat times on Friday to an indication Haikali was broken down and reach him by phone. was already injured the deceased was He then went to the before he entered his found dead. house to inquire about flat. Continues on page 2
Page 10
Coastal Sport News
Pages 18, 19 & 20