Niël Terblanché
The Swakopmund Municipality has launched a series of development projects aimed at upgrading public infrastructure, expanding services to informal settlements, and restoring a long-neglected shelter for vulnerable residents.
The projects, valued in the millions of Namibian dollars, were announced this week by the mayor, Blasius Goraseb, during the latest council meeting.
Among the undertakings is the Mole Cubicles Upgrade Project, which the Council handed over to contractors this week.
He added that with a price tag of N$4.8 million, the project is set for completion by October 2025 and will introduce enclosed cubicles to provide secure spaces for small businesses to display and sell locally made arts and crafts.
Goraseb said the initiative will improve the experience at one of the town’s most visited areas.
“Enhancing the Mole’s charm, a beautifully crafted wooden lighthouse tower will be constructed, featuring four toilets, a security services room, and a sea rescue room—ensuring both safety and convenience for all,” he said.
The tower will include boom facilities to help regulate swimming and boating activities in the area.
The upgrades are intended to improve both the aesthetic and functional appeal of the Mole while also creating opportunities for small and medium enterprises.
Another large-scale development is underway in the Wagdaar area, where the council has handed over the Extension 42 Infrastructure Development Project site to Zero Six Five Trading JV Mawila Technical Services.
According to Goraseb, this project will bring roads, water, sewerage, and electricity infrastructure to an area that has long lacked basic services.
“Wagdaar is currently an informal settlement lacking essential municipal and electrical infrastructure. While some community facilities have access to streetlights and communal taps, much of the area remains unserviced,” he said.
The area includes 310 erven and forms part of the council’s broader effort to promote equitable urban development. In 2023, residents of Extension 42 were granted land ownership certificates to formalise their right to occupy the land.
The mayor added that the current infrastructure development is expected to improve living conditions and enhance municipal service delivery.
“In addition to infrastructure and tourism developments, the council is also reviving the Swakopmund House of Safety,” he said.
The site was recently handed over to Jesaya Steel Manufacturing and Engineering CC to begin reconstruction of the shelter, which had been abandoned and vandalised in recent years.
Originally inaugurated in 1998, the facility is now being restored to serve as a safe haven for residents affected by domestic violence and other emergencies.
Goraseb said that the N$8 million project is due for completion by January 2026.
“With the rise in the number of street children and the increasing need for safe spaces for survivors of gender-based violence, the council has prioritised its revival. This shelter will serve as a sanctuary for residents affected by domestic fires and abuse, providing them with a safe space to heal, rebuild, and find hope,” he said
Goraseb said the projects reflect the council’s ongoing efforts to uplift residents, support economic growth, and create a more inclusive Swakopmund.
