New lease on life for Ramatex warehouses
The Windhoek City Council has, in principle, granted approval for Grow More Investments CC to lease Portions 7 and 8 of Farm 466 (Ramatex Textile Namibia) in Otjomuise for logistics operations and manufacturing purposes over a period of 25 years.The two portions consist of two existing warehouse structures, commonly known as the Tai-Wah Warehouses.
While the initial proposal set a monthly rental of N$100 000 per portion amounting to N$200 000 for both portions with an annual escalation aligned to the Namibia inflation rate (not exceeding 10%), Council’s approval does not include the rental price. Instead, Council resolved that the final rental amount be determined through negotiations between the two parties, with the agreed price to be submitted to Council for consideration upon conclusion of the negotiations.
Grow More Investments CC, a subsidiary of Rani Group International, currently owns and operates 56 retail shops and eight manufacturing outlets, employing an estimated 3 500 people nationwide. The company aims to expand its workforce to approximately 10 000 employees. The approval is thus expected to enable the company to continue its operations at the site, while contributing to job creation and local economic development.
Council further resolved that, should the applicant fail to finalise the lease by 13 September 2026, the structures must be removed and the land rehabilitated to its original state at the applicant’s cost.
In other news, Council approved a donation of a hundred Amalooloo (MyLoo) Urine-Diversion Dry Toilets (UDDTs) from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to benefit flood-affected households relocated to Goreangab (Erf R/508). This contribution, valued at approximately N$2.2 million, will significantly boost the City’s sanitation efforts by increasing household-level access to ecological sanitation solutions.
The UDDTs separate urine and faeces at source, allowing for faster composting and providing a sustainable, environmentally friendly option for areas without sewer infrastructure. Notably, these toilets can be converted to fully waterborne systems once a sewer network becomes available.
Council committed to covering the ±N$400 000 installation costs and has already begun community engagement and training sessions to ensure proper use and maintenance. This project forms part of the City’s ongoing Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) Programme and supports its responsibility to enhance residents’ quality of life through efficient and sustainable service delivery.