09 Mar 2025

 Assistant Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Mr Keoagile Atamelang recently embarked on a comprehensive tour of the road network in Okavango. 

The tour included visits to the A3 road corridor, comprising the Nokaneng-Gumare, Gumare-Mohembo, and Mohembo-Gudigwa roads.

Mr Atamelang expressed government’s commitment to understanding the critical condition of roads in the region, noting significant wear and tear on the tarred sections and the challenges of entirely gravel roads, particularly the Mohembo-Gudigwa road.

“The new administration prioritises service delivery to the people, and adequate roads and infrastructure are essential for meeting these needs,” he stated.

The Assistant Minister underscored the importance of improving roads and infrastructure, suggesting that enhancements in these roads would not only boost the tourism sector but also improve health service delivery and drive overall development in Okavango.

During the tour, Mr Atamelang aimed to evaluate ongoing projects and identify challenges.

He pointed the Gumare-Sepopa road project, awarded to Bango-Trading for asphalt overlay, along with the Sepopa-Mohembo road, which is under the management of Rockefeller for similar improvements.

 However, he acknowledged that some awarded projects had yet to commence due to a review of the Development Manager model aimed to ensure fairness and maximum benefit to the community.

“The insights gained from these reviews and tours will enable the government to make informed decisions regarding road infrastructure,” he noted.

Echoing the sentiments of the Assistant Minister, Member of Parliament for Okavango East, Mr Gabatsholwe Disho welcomed the visit.

He emphasised the need to prioritise the Mohembo-Gudigwa road, considering its significance for the tourism sector and overall service delivery in the Okavango District.

Mr Disho, who represented Okavango West MP Mr Kenny Kapinga during the tour, also acknowledged progress on the ongoing Sepopa-Mohembo road project, commending the completion of access roads while expressing hope for continued improvements. ENDS