China-funded road officially opened in Namibia

Namibia's President Hage Geingob officially opened a road built with a Chinese concessionary loan in the northwestern part of the country Wednesday.

The Ruacana-Omakange road was funded by China EximBank to the tune of 420 million Namibian dollars (33 million U.S dollars) and built by the China Machinery Engineering Corporation.

He thanked China for the help in improving the lives of the Namibian people during this struggle for economic empowerment.

"Namibia is a child of international solidarity. During our struggle for Independence, there were countries that assisted us through various means. One of these countries was the People's Republic of China. Today, as we engage in the second phase of struggle, China is still with us. A true all weather friend," Geingob said.

Geingob also said although the project was conceived before he assumed office as the country's president, the road was proof that the ruling Swapo Party cares for the people.

The 85-kilometre road will contribute to better connection in southern Africa, creating shorter links for commercial and cargo vehicles to southern Angola.

It will also create another shorter link from the Port of Walvis Bay to southern Angola via the Oshikango Border Post.

In addition, the road provides a short and direct access to the provinces of south-west Angola, particularly the towns of Namibe, Lumbango and Lobito. Tourists will now find it easy to access the Etosha National Park in northwestern Namibia.