City eyes Ramatex revival
Windhoek mayor Ndeshihafela Larandja visited the Ramatex facility last week to assess its current condition and potential.
The visit followed recent meetings with internal stakeholders to discuss the site’s status before involving external parties, the mayor said in a statement following the visit.
However, she added that several businesses had submitted development proposals for the Ramatex property ahead of the inspection.
Larandja said the site – which spans around 43 hectares – was originally leased under a 99-year agreement that ended in 2008, when Ramatex Textiles Namibia was placed under provisional liquidation.
“Since then, the capital city and the liquidators have been involved in a lengthy legal process, which has now been resolved," she explained.
“According to the settlement, the liquidators have been given three years to remove the existing warehouse and restore the land to its original condition. If not, the municipality can intervene and appoint a contractor to remove the warehouse,” the mayor said.
Potential to explore
With the deadline now passed, the city is reviewing the current condition of the property and exploring new opportunities to transform Ramatex into a vibrant commercial or industrial hub, she said.
“The land, owned by the City of Windhoek, holds great potential to create jobs and generate much-needed revenue for the city,” Larandja added.
“Although no final decision has been made, these agreements are an important step towards unlocking Ramatex’s economic potential,” she noted.
Municipal spokesperson Lydia Amutenya cautioned this week that the process is still in its infancy, with any proposals yet to be presented to the city council.
She said an official process will have to be initiated should the council decide, for example, to invite proposals from businesspeople and other stakeholders.
Over the past few years, the Ramatex facility has been used occasionally for various sports and entertainment events, political gatherings and election purposes.
However, most of the warehouses and other facilities are in a state of disrepair.
The visit followed recent meetings with internal stakeholders to discuss the site’s status before involving external parties, the mayor said in a statement following the visit.
However, she added that several businesses had submitted development proposals for the Ramatex property ahead of the inspection.
Larandja said the site – which spans around 43 hectares – was originally leased under a 99-year agreement that ended in 2008, when Ramatex Textiles Namibia was placed under provisional liquidation.
“Since then, the capital city and the liquidators have been involved in a lengthy legal process, which has now been resolved," she explained.
“According to the settlement, the liquidators have been given three years to remove the existing warehouse and restore the land to its original condition. If not, the municipality can intervene and appoint a contractor to remove the warehouse,” the mayor said.
Potential to explore
With the deadline now passed, the city is reviewing the current condition of the property and exploring new opportunities to transform Ramatex into a vibrant commercial or industrial hub, she said.
“The land, owned by the City of Windhoek, holds great potential to create jobs and generate much-needed revenue for the city,” Larandja added.
“Although no final decision has been made, these agreements are an important step towards unlocking Ramatex’s economic potential,” she noted.
Municipal spokesperson Lydia Amutenya cautioned this week that the process is still in its infancy, with any proposals yet to be presented to the city council.
She said an official process will have to be initiated should the council decide, for example, to invite proposals from businesspeople and other stakeholders.
Over the past few years, the Ramatex facility has been used occasionally for various sports and entertainment events, political gatherings and election purposes.
However, most of the warehouses and other facilities are in a state of disrepair.
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