Justicia Shipena
The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism spent N$800 000 more in completing the construction of its Erongo Regional Office in Swakopmund after appointing a new contractor to finish the project.
Environment and tourism minister Indileni Daniel said the project was initially valued at N$19.2 million.
She said after the first contractor was terminated in August 2018, when the work was 78% complete, the remaining construction was completed for N$8.3 million.
The expansion of the Swakopmund office started in 2015 with the construction of a new office block.
The project faced delays due to poor workmanship by the initial contractor and long procurement processes.
“The initial contractor had already received N$11.7 million before termination. The new contractor completed the outstanding work at a cost of N$8.3 million, which reflects prudent fiscal management and effective oversight,” Daniel said during the inauguration of the new regional office on Friday.
She said the completion marked the fulfilment of a vision that had faced several challenges, including construction defects, financial constraints, payment delays, and contractual disputes.
“Despite these hurdles, our resolve remained steadfast. Through perseverance and dedication, the project reached completion on 5 December 2024,” Daniel said.
She explained that the Erongo Regional Office will serve as the ministry’s headquarters in the region, focusing on park management, environmental oversight, and tourism promotion.
Daniel said the office will coordinate park operations with the Namibian police and local communities, enforce wildlife conservation policies, and promote sustainable tourism in areas such as Dorob National Park and Cape Cross.
She urged the regional management team to maintain the facilities with care and uphold strong biodiversity practices.
“This office will significantly strengthen the ministry’s capacity to manage our national parks and promote sustainable tourism in the Erongo Region. May this new office stand as a beacon of progress, resilience, and sustainability for Namibia,” she said.
Daniel also announced the handover of the historic Ritterburg building in Swakopmund, restored to its original 1906 condition through funding of N$2.4 million from the German government.
“The building, once the residence of Theodor Ritter, had fallen into a state of disrepair. Thanks to the generous financial support, it has now been beautifully restored,” she said.
