… Independent Patriots for Change shadow minister of works and transport Nelson Kalangula says he has raised questions in parliament regarding the pace of road upgrades, design processes and construction timelines on major highways. …
… political spectrum poured in on Friday. “Go well, honourable chairperson of IRDS committee, I valued your leadership and engagement. “You have left a void that will be felt by us all in the committee, parliament and the country. “Till we meet again, my brother,” Nelson Kalangula …
… Meanwhile, IPC member Nelson Kalangula says the mantra of ‘business unusual’ is not reflected in the budget, with an indication of a rise in debt and backward steps.
… Trade Meanwhile, MP Nelson Tuhafeni Kalangula, who was part of the delegation to the forum, told members that the SADC commits to protocol ratification, as it is the key to transforming economies and guarding against exploitation. …
… Independent Patriots for Change member of parliament and shadow minister of works and transport Nelson Kalangula yesterday said hand-picking does not speak to the “procedure and rule of the laws in place”. …
… In a statement issued by the IPC’s shadow minister of works and transport, Nelson Kalangula, on Sunday, the party said the accident exposes “urgent and serious questions” about rail safety, infrastructure maintenance and executive accountability. …
… minister Charles Mubita remarked: “You must understand that the reason why Swapo got more votes in the election is because people have entrusted the Swapo government to run the resources and the president is doing so.” Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) member Nelson Kalangula …
The Ministry of Works and Transport plans to construct dual-carriageway freeways across Namibia to reduce road accidents and improve transport efficiency. The government will start construction of the Usakos-Arandis dual-carriageway this year, prioritising key roads with heavy traffic volumes and accident records including Windhoek-Okahandja, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.
Why it matters
Government plans dual carriageways on high-risk roads starting with Usakos-Arandis this year to reduce accidents and improve transport efficiency.
The Ministry of Works and Transport plans to construct dual-carriageway freeways across Namibia to reduce road accidents and improve transport efficiency. The government will start construction of the Usakos-Arandis dual-carriageway this year, prioritising key roads with heavy traffic volumes and accident records including Windhoek-Okahandja, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.
Member of parliament James Uerikua died in a road accident on Friday. Colleagues from across the political spectrum paid tribute to him, describing him as a unifier and noting that his son also died in the same accident and his wife is in critical condition.
Parliament members say the National Assembly's budget allocation of N$410.7 million for 2026/27 is inadequate, with only 1% allocated to development and 19% to core NA activities. MPs warn the underfunding threatens the institution's capacity for lawmaking and public outreach.
Members of parliament have raised concerns that the recently tabled 2026/27 budget, which allocates N$81.3 billion to operational expenditure and only N$6.5 billion to development spending, fails to adequately address youth unemployment and lacks a credible plan for job creation. IPC parliamentarian Michael Mwashindange argued that the fiscal framework prioritises recurring operational costs over strategic investments, while rising debt payments and interest costs continue to crowd out productive investments needed to stimulate employment.
National Assembly Speaker Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, the first woman to lead Namibia's parliament, says the country is advancing gender equality through policy advocacy and gender-sound laws. With President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah and Vice President Lucia Witbooi also in office, Namibia is among the few countries globally where women hold the president, vice president, and speaker positions simultaneously.
The government has awarded Roads Contractor Company (RCC) a N$140-million project to build sport facilities across Namibia's 14 regions, bypassing standard public procurement rules under a presidential fast-track exemption. The decision has drawn criticism from industry groups and opposition politicians over transparency and accountability, though officials argue the project follows existing legal frameworks and incorporates oversight mechanisms.
Opposition MPs staged a walkout from the National Assembly on Thursday when the government sought urgent approval of four Public Service Commission commissioners, citing concerns about their age, qualifications, ethnic representation, and lack of adequate debate. The walkout left no quorum for the vote to proceed.
The Independent Patriots for Change has raised concerns about Namibia's railway infrastructure following a Rovos Rail passenger train derailment near Keetmanshoop on Sunday that killed two people and injured four. The party's shadow minister called for a transparent investigation, full disclosure of inspection and safety certification records, and strengthened oversight of TransNamib and rail safety authorities.
The government aims to financially revive the struggling Roads Contractor Company through a recapitalisation strategy involving equipment procurement and project allocations. Minister of Works and Transport Veikko Nekundi said the company, which lost capital assets through auctions between 2016 and 2024, will be supported via a lease-to-own equipment plan that has already delivered multiple vehicles and machinery.
Swapo members of parliament have defended the petroleum bill, arguing it ensures resource benefits contribute to inclusive economic growth and long-term national capacity through local content, skills development, and environmental protection. An IPC opposition MP questioned whether proposed penalties for conflict-of-interest violations are adequate for a billion-dollar industry.