Government Pledges Continued Focus on Okavango Road Improvements

Government Pledges Continued Focus on Okavango Road Improvements. Government has reaffirmed its commitment to upgrading road infrastructure in the Okavango District, as the Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Noah Salakae, intensified engagements with local stakeholders to discuss progress, priorities, and challenges facing the sector.

During meetings held in Shakawe, Salakae provided updates on the state of the national economy, the prioritisation of road rehabilitation projects, and proposed reforms under the Road Traffic Act. Central to the discussions was the scope of planned road works in the Okavango District, with particular attention given to the strategic Gumare–Mohembo road.

The Minister acknowledged the long-standing challenges posed by poor road conditions in the region and noted the growing expectations from communities. He assured residents that, despite fiscal constraints, the Ministry is deploying available resources and working closely with technical teams to accelerate improvements while ensuring value for money.

Salakae emphasised that road infrastructure remains a key driver of economic activity, service delivery, and social inclusion. He stressed that Government remains focused on optimising project delivery so that infrastructure investments respond directly to community needs, even in a constrained budget environment.

The engagement also featured contributions from the Member of Parliament for Okavango West, Kenny Kapinga, who called for road infrastructure development in and around Shakawe to be prioritised. Kapinga highlighted the importance of accountability, oversight, and effective execution of projects, urging sustained engagement by the Ministry.

Road safety formed part of the discussions, with Kapinga underscoring the need for public education and awareness campaigns in line with the implementation of the new Road Traffic Act. He called on road users to take collective responsibility in promoting safer driving practices.

Beyond consultations, Salakae conducted a site visit to assess the condition of the Gudigwa road. His programme continued in Gumare, where district officers provided technical briefings on challenges affecting several key road sections, including ongoing maintenance works.Further community engagements are expected to continue in the district as part of Government’s stakeholder-focused approach.