Keynote address by President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Oute Bridge

Etanga, Kunene region, 12 November 2025

________________
It gives me great pleasure to join you here in the beautiful Kunene region for this important groundbreaking ceremony to officially commence the construction of the Oute Bridge on District Road 3704. This event signifies the start of another infrastructure project and a symbol of hope, safety and progress for the people of Etanga, Orupembe and surrounding communities in the Kunene region.As Namibia gears up to achieve its Vision 2030 development goals and become a logistics hub for the wider region, a safe and reliable road network is vital. Therefore, we continue to invest in roads, bridges and rural access infrastructure that empower communities, reduce poverty and create opportunities to ensure that all citizens are recipients of change.As pledged, the Swapo Party government is committed to continuing the enhancement, rehabilitation and development of all sectors, and the maintenance of transport infrastructure as a priority policy, which I am certain will help the Namibian nation to promptly achieve success in poverty reduction.District Road 3703, which links Opuwo to Etanga, is not just a road; it is a lifeline connecting rural communities to Opuwo, the main centre for economic, social and government services.However, each rainy season, this lifeline is broken. As you are aware, the Oute River crossing, located about 33 kilometres northwest of Opuwo, is always closed off when the river flows.This seasonal isolation has brought about heartbreaking consequences – lives lost during attempted crossings, families delayed in burying their loved ones, and communities cut off from vital health, education and administrative services.These are not mere inconveniences. They are life-threatening realities that no Namibian should continue to endure.Hence, the construction of the Oute Bridge represents our commitment as a government to ensure that no community is left behind. It embodies our vision of an inclusive Namibia where infrastructure serves as a bridge not just across rivers, but across divides of opportunity, access and development.The construction of the Oute Bridge is also part of our broader national effort to enhance connectivity, promote regional equity and safeguard the welfare of our citizens. After completion, this bridge will ensure safe and reliable year-round access to essential services and markets, especially for the people of the Kunene region, who have for too long faced challenges due to difficult terrain and seasonal flooding.I am pleased that this project will create opportunities for local subcontractors and small and medium enterprises, where many labourers will be recruited locally. Such participation ensures that government projects not only deliver infrastructure but also build capacity, transfer skills and stimulate local economies. The construction period for this project is 12 months.The Roads Authority, under the Ministry of Works and Transport, continues to demonstrate excellence and accountability in implementing projects that transform lives across Namibia.Thus, please allow me to express sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Works and Transport for its continued leadership, and the Roads Authority for its tireless execution of our national road programmes.In the same vein, I appreciate the regional and local authorities of Kunene for their cooperation and commitment to development, and most importantly, the residents of this area for your patience and understanding as we bring this long-awaited project to life.Today marks the beginning of a new chapter for the people of Etanga, Orupembe and the surrounding villages. The Oute Bridge will stand as a permanent reminder of what we can achieve when we put people first.In closing, I remind the contractor to ensure that the project is executed within the agreed timelines and approved budget, and to deliver this facility to the people of Etanga, Orupembe and the Kunene region as a whole.I now have the honour to officially declare that the construction of the Oute Bridge has commenced.I thank you.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.

The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.