Nekundi claims fake road quality test results on Oshikoto road

Minister of works and transport Veikko Nekundi says he has been told that laboratory tests meant to assess the quality of road materials used for the Engoyi–Omutele road have been falsified.

These tests are critical to ensure the road is constructed properly and meets safety standards.

The 16,3km road is currently under construction, following its commissioning by former president Nangolo Mbumba last November.

The project is valued at N$43 million.

During a site visit on Wednesday, Nekundi said the road should be completed by the end of September this year, as initially scheduled.

“There are delays primarily caused by the consultant, and it’s a very worrying situation where it appears the Roads Authority is being controlled by the consultant,” Nekundi said.

“This must come to an end. All costs related to the consultant’s conduct, including delays and the manipulation of laboratory results, must be recovered by the state. Such behaviour is unacceptable, and any individual found to have manipulated engineering data must be reported to the Engineering Council of Namibia.”

Nekundi also criticised the Roads Authority for demolishing structures belonging to residents of the Omuntele area. He called for an immediate halt to the demolitions.

Instead, he advised the Roads Authority to install speed bumps and high curbs as alternatives to destroying community property.

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