Aquarium renovations stalled despite three-year plan
The National Aquarium remains closed more than a year after its planned N$20 million renovation began in 2023, with no physical work yet underway.
Although it is the first major upgrade since the facility opened roughly 30 years ago, progress has stalled, prompting public concern over delays, transparency, and accountability.
Despite a formal three-year plan being announced, no construction has started. The project is now in its second year, and sources allege bureaucratic inertia is hampering implementation. Stakeholders have raised concerns over the economic and educational importance of the aquarium, which has long served as a scientific resource and tourism draw.
When contacted for clarity, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform spokesperson Julia Nekwaya confirmed that the ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Works and Transport, is still in the planning phase.
“This is a three-year capital project. Our aim is to revitalise the 30-year-old institution, enhance its facilities, and implement critical infrastructure improvements to ensure its long-term viability and public enjoyment,” Nekwaya said.
She explained that the current focus is on completing a crucial feasibility study.
“The study is being undertaken by a team of professional engineers, architects, and quantity surveyors. They are assessing the scope of work needed, which will define the renovation needs and determine final costs,” she noted.
Initial timelines aimed for completion of the study by March 2025, but it has since been delayed. Nekwaya attributed this to the merger and restructuring process that saw the former Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources consolidated into the broader Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform.
“This restructuring caused unavoidable administrative delays,” she said, but assured that both ministries are committed to finalising the feasibility phase.
According to Nekwaya, a provisional N$20 million has been allocated for the full three-year project - therefore it could still be at least three years before it is completed.
“The renovation will not only modernise the facility’s look and improve the visitor experience, but will also address structural vulnerabilities, such as previous flooding incidents," she explained.
She stressed that while the delays are regrettable, they are temporary.
“We are dedicated to preserving and enhancing this national asset. Our teams are working diligently to finalise this stage so that physical renovations can begin,” she said.
Although it is the first major upgrade since the facility opened roughly 30 years ago, progress has stalled, prompting public concern over delays, transparency, and accountability.
Despite a formal three-year plan being announced, no construction has started. The project is now in its second year, and sources allege bureaucratic inertia is hampering implementation. Stakeholders have raised concerns over the economic and educational importance of the aquarium, which has long served as a scientific resource and tourism draw.
When contacted for clarity, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform spokesperson Julia Nekwaya confirmed that the ministry, in collaboration with the Ministry of Works and Transport, is still in the planning phase.
“This is a three-year capital project. Our aim is to revitalise the 30-year-old institution, enhance its facilities, and implement critical infrastructure improvements to ensure its long-term viability and public enjoyment,” Nekwaya said.
She explained that the current focus is on completing a crucial feasibility study.
“The study is being undertaken by a team of professional engineers, architects, and quantity surveyors. They are assessing the scope of work needed, which will define the renovation needs and determine final costs,” she noted.
Initial timelines aimed for completion of the study by March 2025, but it has since been delayed. Nekwaya attributed this to the merger and restructuring process that saw the former Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources consolidated into the broader Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform.
“This restructuring caused unavoidable administrative delays,” she said, but assured that both ministries are committed to finalising the feasibility phase.
According to Nekwaya, a provisional N$20 million has been allocated for the full three-year project - therefore it could still be at least three years before it is completed.
“The renovation will not only modernise the facility’s look and improve the visitor experience, but will also address structural vulnerabilities, such as previous flooding incidents," she explained.
She stressed that while the delays are regrettable, they are temporary.
“We are dedicated to preserving and enhancing this national asset. Our teams are working diligently to finalise this stage so that physical renovations can begin,” she said.
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