The Roads Authority (RA) has appointed Zhong Mei Engineering Group as the successful bidder for the rehabilitation of the 30.04 km Usakos and Karibib road in the Erongo Region, at a total cost of N$343.7 million.
Four local subcontractors have been awarded specific works as follows: Investment Holdings cc for bridge works, Tangeni OM Trading cc for culverts and drains, West Trading cc for concrete kerbing and paving, and Alugodhi Trading cc for gabions and guardrails.
The contracts are collectively valued at N$63.9 million, constituting 25.18% of the total contract amount.
“As part of the RA’s strategy to promote the participation of local contractors in all our road construction projects and in line with Section 2 of the Public Procurement Act, four separate bills for works will be executed by local Namibian contractors,” RA Chief Executive Officer Conrad Lutombi said.
The project’s financing will be provided by the KfW Development Bank, through a loan to the Namibian Government from the German Financial Cooperation with Namibia, under the NDP5 support Programme.
Construction works are scheduled to commence in September 2023, with the expectation of creating around 500 jobs over the 18-month construction period.
“During this period, the RA will ensure that works are carried out diligently to minimize any inconvenience to motorists and residents in the vicinity,” the CEO said.
“This project represents a significant step towards enhancing our infrastructure and improving road safety on the B2 road. The RA is confident that Zhong Mei Engineering Group and the subcontractors will bring their expertise and dedication to ensure the successful completion of this project.”
This comes as the Roads Authority launched a N$15 billion five-year Integrated Strategic Business Plan (ISBP) aimed at expanding the national road network and upgrading gravel roads to bitumen standards.
The authority’s plans include constructing and upgrading 700 km to bitumen standard, 215 km of gravel road, rehabilitating 715 km, re-graveling 2,800 km, and rejuvenating 635 km to low-seal bitumen standard.
