Northern railway earthworks in full swing

The bulk earthworks for the construction of the railway line between Ondangwa and Oshakati is in full swing after 150 people volunteered their labour, including Founding President Sam Nujoma.
The earthworks for the 28-km rail line will cost the government about N$245 million. That amount excludes a N$40 million bridge, the railway itself and a station to be built in Oshakati.
At 07:00 yesterday morning, 100 representatives from the National Youth Service (NYS), politicians and members of the community got busy after Nujoma kicked off the work with a spade and a wheelbarrow.
Nujoma called on Namibians to work together to develop the country’s infrastructure.
“It is very important to work and be united as it is the one of the ways we will emerge victorious.
“The railway line will run free but it’s important for everyone to come and work,” he said.
Nujoma said members of the public should offer their services during the volunteering period which will end next week.
Robert Hoeseb of Windhoek Consulting Engineers told Namibian Sun that the project is divided into three parts: two 14-km earthworks projects and a bridge that must be completed by March 2017.
Hoeseb said the first part of the earthworks, which is the 14 kilometres from the Ondangwa station, would be completed in the next 15 months by a joint venture between China State Construction and Ablan Engineering. The remaining 14-km earthworks will be completed by Roadhart by November this year.
Nexus Construction Company is responsible for the N$40 million railway bridge 10 kilometres from Ondangwa that is already under construction.
Hoeseb said after the earthworks have been completed two tenders would be advertised for the construction of the railway station in Oshakati and for the laying of the rails.
Hoeseb said the railway line would be completed by 2018.
According to Jacky Zhang, manager of China State Construction, about 140 local workers will be employed for the earthworks.
KENYA KAMBOWE