Property owners call for revitalisation of Windhoek CBD

By: Ludorf Iyambo

Property owners are calling on the City of Windhoek to collaborate with them to revitalise the Central Business District (CBD), which they say becomes quiet after hours.

The owners proposed a partnership with the city to introduce social and cultural activities and enhance safety in the area.

The owners raised these concerns on Tuesday during a mayoral central business district tour and stakeholders’ consultation meeting in the capital.

Property owner Rynand Mudge of Erkrath and Gathe-Man suggested that property owners be included in government-level negotiations to play a more active role in the revival of Windhoek’s CBD.

“Is it not ironic that is it the private community that is begging the city to allow them to do Zoo Park? Is it not ironic that private sectors have been begging the city for eight years to use their money to do things so that the city can use their money for service delivery in other areas that are needed?” questioned Mudge.

Valentine Shaanika from Millennium Investments urged the City of Windhoek to take direct responsibility for the upkeep of Zoo Park, arguing that this would ensure the success of upcoming initiatives planned by the private sector.

“So, once you handle the Zoo Park, which is the heart of the city, I think that all this market planning and all these cultural activities that you’re planning will become a success.”

“Those that we are representing as property owners, it gives us the confidence to invest in all these cultural activities for the city.” Shaanika said.

Windhoek’s Mayor Ndeshihafela Larandja said the city council has passed a resolution that allows businesses to take responsibility for the maintenance and beautification of the CBD.

Larandja also acknowledged that the CBD becomes inactive after hours, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts to keep the city vibrant and secure throughout the day and night.

For this reason, she says the city is planning to spend N$17 million on upgrading streetlights in the CBD over the next two years.

“The upgrading of the streetlights will go a long way to bringing life back to the CBD, which normally dies by 18h00 on weekdays and 14h00 over weekends,” Larandja said.

The post Property owners call for revitalisation of Windhoek CBD first appeared on Future Media News.

The post Property owners call for revitalisation of Windhoek CBD appeared first on Future Media News.