Dedicated road fund ensures world class infrastructure

‘Neighbouring states should follow suit’ ED RICHARDSON “I WANT you to write this down so that the authorities here in Namibia can see it, and also the authorities in the neighbouring countries. Our roads are world-class and that is thanks to a dedicated road fund which cannot be used for anything else,” says an emphatic Willie du Toit, chairman of the Namibia Road Carriers' Association (Namrod). “It is our biggest plus,” he continues. “We have the best roads in Southern Africa. I go overseas at least once a year to stay up to date with the latest trends and I can assure you that our roads are not third world. “Even the gravel roads to the remotest corners of the country are in excellent condition. Namrod prides itself on the fact that it was instrumental in setting up the fund,” he says. The association is keen to see similar funds introduced in neighbouring South Africa, Botswana, Zambia and Angola, as good quality roads will help smooth the logistics of transporting freight over long distances. Road hauliers in Namibia have a number of unique challenges, according to du Toit. One is that their vehicles have to travel many thousands of kilometres through to the top of Zambia without support. Breakdowns can take days to fix, and companies will sometimes fly mechanics and spares to remote areas in order to get the truck back on the road. Another challenge is that the majority of freight is breakbulk because the flow is mostly one way from the port of Walvis or South Africa inland and it is not economical to bring back empty containers. Namrod is also working with the authorities in Botswana and South Africa to ensure that the trans- Kalahari corridor realises its potential. While the route across Botswana is much shorter, it is often quicker to go via Upington because the South Africa/ Botswana border post closes too early, he says. However, du Toit is confident that a solution will be found. In the meantime, he would also like to see more freight landing at Walvis Bay. “We can provide very fast secure services from Walvis to the Caprivi and Zambia. It is far more efficient than using Cape Town or Durban for these markets,” he says.