INFORMANTÉ |9
14 November - 20 November 2013
Development projects on table for Rehoboth
IN line with its new corporate strategy and management emphasis aimed at repositioning the council
as an institution geared towards creating significant opportunities for its community, through pro-active
support programmes, the Town Council of Rehoboth embarked upon major efforts to secure funding for
development projects in its area of authority.
The Rehoboth Town Council aims to develop Rehoboth into a vibrant, economically efficient and self-sustaining urban centre. In support of this vision,
the Town Council offers the following incentives and services to potential
investors in the manufacturing and production sectors:
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Acacia Forest.
Suitable industrial land to serious investors at negotiated rates.
Reduced municipal rates and taxes on industrial land.
Town Services (water, electricity, sewerage) for operation at cost price
Where necessary, assistance in completing an environmental impact
assessment in accordance with national guidelines.
“Local economic development in the Rehoboth context means the application of resources, using broad-based and integrated processes to promote and
address the aspirations, needs, values and wellbeing of the residents of the
town of Rehoboth,” said the mayor, Eve Maasdorp.
Rehoboth M
useum hous
ing early Ba
historical ar
ster and Na
tefacts and
mibian
information.
on, conveniently located on
Fully-equiped Shell service stati
road through Rehoboth.
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A strategic plan was compiled for the Town Council in 2009, to provide the
town with an economic development working document. “Four years down the
line, considerable successes have been achieved, that saw the establishment of small to medium businesses
and industries around town. With the establishment of businesses, a considerable number of employment
opportunities came up and absorbed many unemployed residents,” said Maasdorp.
In terms of the Public-Private Partnership Guidelines as directed by the Ministry of Regional and Local
Government Housing and Rural Development, and in acceptance with the Joint Venture Regulations, the
Rehoboth Town Council intends to venture in partnership with a business fraternity into inter alia tourism.
This include:
• Development of Acacia Forest
• Exploitation of Lake Oanob ( 2nd largest in Namibia)
• Development of eco-tourism
• Tourist Information Centre
• Exploitation of rich cultural heritage.
• Golf real estate
According to the council’s chief executive officer, Theo Jankowski, as part of Rehoboth’s wider economic
strategy, tourism is playing a part in diversifying the town’s economy, and thus ensures its future prosperity.
“However, Rehoboth is not alone in attempting to maximise its potential in this way, so we will need to increase our competitiveness to allow for continued business development and growth.”
“This will revolve around dealing with issues like improving service delivery, and providing business support, improving market intelligence and the sharing of information, encourage greater flexibility of the tourism
product, and, especially in terms of availability, improve a critical mass of attractions,” said Jankowksi.
Rehoboth Private Primary Scho
ol.
In this regard he referred to an area of some 8 400ha known as the Acacia Forest and well-known for its large
camelthorn trees (some estimated to be 200-250 years old) which lies within the town boundaries of Rehoboth.
The possibility of proclaiming the area as a community park is currently being considered.
Another exciting new development on the table for Rehoboth is West Ridge, a residential development.
“It is a new residential area coming to Rehoboth that will offer luxury homes at an affordable price, including
hilltop views of the surrounding mountains and close access to downtown shopping centres,” said Jankowski.
He pointed out that in this competitive economic global environment it has become imperative for each