Lüderitz on the threshold of new opportunities

The development agenda of Lüderitz and the //Kharas region hinges on the planned expansion of the harbour town’s port.This is according to !Nami?Nûs constituency councillor Suzan Ndjaleka, who urged the Lüderitz community and businesses to voice their support for Namport’s development plans."We need to tell the government that we are ready and want this to happen. If we do not, this opportunity will pass us by. Walvis Bay is ready and waiting," Ndjaleka told community members at a Lüderitz Waterfront Development Company (LWDC) information session in the harbour town recently.She further assured that the port’s development would not harm the historical sites linked to the genocide on Shark Island, addressing concerns raised on the matter."The !Aman traditional authority, which has jurisdiction over this area of the town, supports our developmental efforts," Ndjaleka added. She highlighted that the LWDC is aligned with key government priority areas and creates an enabling environment for other businesses. “Education through the Namibia Maritime Museum and the new planned private hospital, which ties in to the health sector, are examples."However, she cautioned: "We can plan as much as we want; if the port is not developed, we can forget about development.”MonitoringMeanwhile, LWDC CEO Fluksman Samuehl said the company is following discussions about Shark Island with keen interest.“Namibia Wildlife Resorts is withdrawing, and the National Heritage Council and Ministry of Education are taking over. There are conversations, which we are privy to, to create a memorial genocide museum. We will offer help to ensure such an additional activity becomes a reality."Samuehl also confirmed that the LWDC is preparing for its AGM on 3 September. “We are going to open our books to shareholders. They will look at our financial performance."Samuehl stressed the urgency of improving essential amenities and services to fully benefit from ongoing development plans.“The realisation of oil and green hydrogen production will give birth to needs for accommodation, housing, offices, restaurants, retail outlets and even a private hospital. The whole //Kharas and Hardap regions do not have a private hospital.” He noted that the LWDC, which has already created 162 jobs through tenant operations, is mandated to stimulate and facilitate economic growth, focusing on tourism, trade and business development through infrastructure projects.“We had a conversation with FlyNamibia because we cannot talk about economic growth if the skies are not open to ensure that business people (investors) come here as quickly as possible, do business and go back. They have no time to spend 10 hours on the road," he said. Ongoing projects Construction of the new LWDC headquarters and a laundry facility at the Lüderitz Old Power Station is currently underway, the CEO said.Discussions are also ongoing to provide office space to the Namibia Tourism Board and the Business and Intellectual Property Authority.New LWDC projects include a 120-room Seaview Hotel, to be developed as a joint venture with the private sector, among others. Planned developments at the Old Power Station include a jetty linking the building to phase one of the Waterfront via the sea, enabling future leisure activities; a dry dock for the Welwitschia vessel as part of the museum theme park; the completion of an underground bar and VIP lounge; and a promenade between the power station and the Nest Hotel.

Lüderitz on the threshold of new opportunities

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Namibian Sun 2025-10-09

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Lüderitz on the threshold of new opportunities

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Namibian Sun 2025-10-09

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