Mixed signals on Swakop Mole erf development
Municipality is awaiting revised submissions from the developers
Swakopmund mayor Blasius Goraseb confirmed that the development is still active, though unresolved.
The stalled development of Erf 4747—better known as the old indoor swimming pool site—at Swakopmund’s Mole area has become a source of confusion and frustration, with the developer accusing the municipality of obstruction while town officials insist progress is being made.
Ettiene Weakly of Lighthouse Property Investment Trust, which owns the prominent beachfront site, claims the project is being deliberately delayed without clear explanation. “Ask them why they are stalling it,” he said last week. However, follow-up queries to Weakly went unanswered.
Swakopmund councillor Heinrich Hafeni has dismissed the claims, describing a recent meeting with the developers as “very positive,” and emphasising that both sides are committed to moving the project forward.
“The owners were there. We had a very good meeting. They want to progress, we want to progress,” Hafeni said. “We acknowledge that the process has taken long, and we share the community’s concerns.”
According to Hafeni, the municipality is awaiting revised submissions from the developers and was surprised by suggestions of deliberate stalling. “That’s surprising to hear. From our side, the intention is to move forward,” he added.
Frustrated residents
Swakopmund mayor Blasius Goraseb confirmed that the development is still active, though unresolved.
“It is not so straightforward,” he said. “We are finding each other, but there is nothing concrete yet that we can say is ready for public discussion.”
The initial proposal for the site includes residential units, restaurants, retail outlets, and public amenities.
While the environmental clearance certificate and development agreement were finalised in 2021, no construction has taken place since.
The site remains cordoned off by a temporary corrugated metal barricade marked “Danger – Construction Site – No Entry,” propped up by wooden beams.
Locals now refer to it simply as “the hole.”
Frustrated residents have called on the municipality and developers to clean up the site, repurpose the land, or even consider building a new indoor pool, given the location’s prominence along a key tourism corridor. “It’s a big eyesore,” several residents have said.
A letter issued a year ago by Swakopmund CEO Alfeus Benjamin indicated that the project had been paused following public objections related to height restrictions and potential heritage impacts. Goraseb reiterated that legal issues remain under review, and that the council will only speak publicly once tangible progress has been made.
Ettiene Weakly of Lighthouse Property Investment Trust, which owns the prominent beachfront site, claims the project is being deliberately delayed without clear explanation. “Ask them why they are stalling it,” he said last week. However, follow-up queries to Weakly went unanswered.
Swakopmund councillor Heinrich Hafeni has dismissed the claims, describing a recent meeting with the developers as “very positive,” and emphasising that both sides are committed to moving the project forward.
“The owners were there. We had a very good meeting. They want to progress, we want to progress,” Hafeni said. “We acknowledge that the process has taken long, and we share the community’s concerns.”
According to Hafeni, the municipality is awaiting revised submissions from the developers and was surprised by suggestions of deliberate stalling. “That’s surprising to hear. From our side, the intention is to move forward,” he added.
Frustrated residents
Swakopmund mayor Blasius Goraseb confirmed that the development is still active, though unresolved.
“It is not so straightforward,” he said. “We are finding each other, but there is nothing concrete yet that we can say is ready for public discussion.”
The initial proposal for the site includes residential units, restaurants, retail outlets, and public amenities.
While the environmental clearance certificate and development agreement were finalised in 2021, no construction has taken place since.
The site remains cordoned off by a temporary corrugated metal barricade marked “Danger – Construction Site – No Entry,” propped up by wooden beams.
Locals now refer to it simply as “the hole.”
Frustrated residents have called on the municipality and developers to clean up the site, repurpose the land, or even consider building a new indoor pool, given the location’s prominence along a key tourism corridor. “It’s a big eyesore,” several residents have said.
A letter issued a year ago by Swakopmund CEO Alfeus Benjamin indicated that the project had been paused following public objections related to height restrictions and potential heritage impacts. Goraseb reiterated that legal issues remain under review, and that the council will only speak publicly once tangible progress has been made.
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