On 12 November 2025, H.E. Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia, delivered a keynote address at the groundbreaking ceremony marking the commencement of the construction of the Oute Bridge on District Road 3704, located in Etanga, Orupembe, Kunene Region. This significant infrastructure project is envisioned as a beacon of hope, safety, and progress for the residents of the Kunene Region and its surrounding communities.
The President highlighted the vital role of a safe and dependable road network in achieving Namibia’s Vision 2030 development goals, aiming to transform the nation into a logistics hub for the wider region. In this context, the government remains committed to investing in roads, bridges, and rural access infrastructure that empower communities, reduce poverty, and create economic opportunities to ensure equitable development for all citizens.
District Road 3703, linking Opuwo to Etanga, serves as a critical lifeline connecting rural communities to economic, social, and government services. However, the Oute River crossing, approximately 33 kilometers northwest of Opuwo, has been seasonally impassable during rainy seasons, causing isolation that results in tragic consequences, delayed funerals, and restricted access to essential services like health and education. The new Oute Bridge will end this seasonal isolation and provide reliable, year-round access for these communities.
The bridge construction also aligns with the national agenda to enhance connectivity, promote regional equity, and safeguard the welfare of Namibian citizens. Once completed, it promises to be a catalyst for development in the Kunene Region, overcoming challenges posed by difficult terrain and seasonal flooding.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah further emphasized the economic benefits of the project, including opportunities for local subcontractors and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), with laborers largely recruited locally to build skills and stimulate local economies. The project is set to be completed within twelve months under the leadership of the Roads Authority and the Ministry of Works and Transport, both acknowledged for their dedication and accountability in delivering transformative infrastructure projects.
The President expressed gratitude to regional authorities and local residents for their cooperation and patience while the project is underway, underscoring that the Oute Bridge will serve as a lasting symbol of Namibia’s commitment to putting its people first and ensuring inclusive national development.
In conclusion, the President officially declared the commencement of the Oute Bridge construction, marking the start of a new chapter that promises improved connectivity, safety, and prosperity for the Kunene Region and the nation as a whole.
