RehoSpa transfer talks advance
The Mayor of Rehoboth, Jacky Khariseb, paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Works and Transport, Veikko Nekundi, late last week to discuss the long-awaited transfer of the RehoSpa Resort to the Rehoboth Town Council. The meeting is part of ongoing consultations as stakeholders await formal feedback on the asset transfer process.
The discussions centred on the transfer of fixed assets and the continued development and rehabilitation of the resort’s recreational facilities, bungalows and spa infrastructure. The matter has been under consideration by multiple government ministries in recent months as authorities work towards finalising the future management of the facility.
One of the proposals previously considered was the establishment of a rehabilitation centre at the resort. The concept was evaluated for viability in response to the growing drug crisis affecting communities across Namibia. While the initiative aimed to address an urgent social challenge, public perceptions surrounding the proposal introduced political sensitivities into the process.
At the time of the most recent engagements, the title deed transfer of the property was nearing completion. Officials confirmed that a site inspection had been conducted to ensure that stakeholders remained aligned with the original intention behind the donation of the property. However, the process was temporarily paused following the spread of negative information and misconceptions surrounding the transfer and consultation process.
Khariseb reaffirmed the council’s commitment to completing the resort’s rehabilitation. “Council remains committed to completing the renovations of RehoSpa. We must clarify and strategise on pending matters to finalise the project and reopen the resort, as it is the heart of Rehoboth and the community is eagerly awaiting the completion of these recreational facilities,” he said.
The Mayor acknowledged the financial support provided by the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, which funded rehabilitation work under Phases 1 and 2 of the project. Both phases are reportedly nearing completion. Accountability reports are expected to be submitted to the line ministry to enable further consultations and possible assistance for Phase 3 of the development.
Nekundi welcomed the Khariseb’s proactive engagement and praised the collaborative approach taken by the local authority. “We remain open to engagement and consultation on matters of national development in order to successfully implement the Government’s NDP6 at all levels. We appreciate the constructive approach taken. Let us hasten to finalise all outstanding matters and bottlenecks, complete the transfer of the property and open the facilities to the community. Whichever direction the project takes, we stand ready to support and assist,” Nekundi said.
During the meeting, Khariseb was also encouraged to assist the ministry with a feasibility study on the potential construction of a commuter passenger railway line between Rehoboth and Windhoek. The proposed railway aims to enhance regional connectivity and promote economic development between the two towns.
