Witvlei abattoir bleeds over N$3 million as it lies idle
The once-thriving Witvlei Abattoir is now a dormant shell, with Agribank still footing the bill, bleeding over N$3 million in legal fees, rates, and security costs as the facility sits idle.
Deputy minister of agriculture Ruth Masake revealed this, telling Parliament last week that despite the mounting losses, Agribank remains determined to revive the abattoir, actively seeking investors to breathe life back into the shuttered meat plant and restore jobs in the Witvlei area.
The costs include legal fees amounting to N$2,9 million monthly rates and taxes costing N$48 022 payable to the Witvlei Village Council, and monthly security costs amounting to N$16 316 for safeguarding the facility.
According to her, the abattoir was transferred to Agribank in 2003 following the liquidation of Uri Khubis Abattoir. Agribank subsequently leased the facility to Witvlei Meat (Pty) Ltd with the option to purchase it for N$15 million. However, in 2011, Cabinet directed that any sale be conducted at market value. A legal dispute ensued, culminating in a Supreme Court ruling in favour of Witvlei Meat.
“Despite a purchase agreement being signed in 2015, the buyer failed to meet the payment conditions, rendering the agreement void. Further eviction proceedings were instituted, and in January 2020, Agribank lawfully regained possession of the property and holds a valid title,” she said.
She highlighted that Agribank initiated two tender processes in 2021 and 2022 for the disposal of the abattoir. “Although there were several bidders, none of the top three bidders were able to provide proof of funding within the stipulated timeframe. Additionally, the prospects of the copper smelter plant leased by the Witvlei Village Council raised several health and environmental concerns. To restore investor confidence, Agribank engaged relevant stakeholders, and in July 2025, the operator agreed to relocate its operations, with Agribank assuming the associated costs,” she added.
“Following the resolution of the issue, Agribank re-advertised the abattoir and has since received multiple expressions of interest. The bank remains optimistic that a financially capable investor will be secured. The resumption of operations is expected to contribute meaningfully to employment creation and economic revitalisation in the Omaheke Region,” she said.
In August, the once-thriving Witvlei Abattoir was put back on the market as the Agricultural Bank of Namibia (Agribank) seeks to dispose of the dormant asset for N$51.7 million.
It was previously leased to Witvlei Meat, a company owned by businessman Sidney Martin, who paid N$250,000 per month since 2006. However, a failed purchase agreement and legal dispute over ownership led to the company’s eviction in 2019, following a High Court ruling. Since then, the facility has remained idle despite its potential .
[email protected]
Deputy minister of agriculture Ruth Masake revealed this, telling Parliament last week that despite the mounting losses, Agribank remains determined to revive the abattoir, actively seeking investors to breathe life back into the shuttered meat plant and restore jobs in the Witvlei area.
The costs include legal fees amounting to N$2,9 million monthly rates and taxes costing N$48 022 payable to the Witvlei Village Council, and monthly security costs amounting to N$16 316 for safeguarding the facility.
According to her, the abattoir was transferred to Agribank in 2003 following the liquidation of Uri Khubis Abattoir. Agribank subsequently leased the facility to Witvlei Meat (Pty) Ltd with the option to purchase it for N$15 million. However, in 2011, Cabinet directed that any sale be conducted at market value. A legal dispute ensued, culminating in a Supreme Court ruling in favour of Witvlei Meat.
“Despite a purchase agreement being signed in 2015, the buyer failed to meet the payment conditions, rendering the agreement void. Further eviction proceedings were instituted, and in January 2020, Agribank lawfully regained possession of the property and holds a valid title,” she said.
She highlighted that Agribank initiated two tender processes in 2021 and 2022 for the disposal of the abattoir. “Although there were several bidders, none of the top three bidders were able to provide proof of funding within the stipulated timeframe. Additionally, the prospects of the copper smelter plant leased by the Witvlei Village Council raised several health and environmental concerns. To restore investor confidence, Agribank engaged relevant stakeholders, and in July 2025, the operator agreed to relocate its operations, with Agribank assuming the associated costs,” she added.
“Following the resolution of the issue, Agribank re-advertised the abattoir and has since received multiple expressions of interest. The bank remains optimistic that a financially capable investor will be secured. The resumption of operations is expected to contribute meaningfully to employment creation and economic revitalisation in the Omaheke Region,” she said.
In August, the once-thriving Witvlei Abattoir was put back on the market as the Agricultural Bank of Namibia (Agribank) seeks to dispose of the dormant asset for N$51.7 million.
It was previously leased to Witvlei Meat, a company owned by businessman Sidney Martin, who paid N$250,000 per month since 2006. However, a failed purchase agreement and legal dispute over ownership led to the company’s eviction in 2019, following a High Court ruling. Since then, the facility has remained idle despite its potential .
[email protected]
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article