Erongo welcomes Dunes Mall

More than 3 000 construction workers were on site during the construction phase and between 700 and 1 000 full-time jobs have been created at the centre.
Otis Finck
Otis Finck - Dunes Mall in Walvis Bay, the second largest shopping mall in Namibia, opened for business last week.

Mayor Immanuel Wilfred inaugurated the N$700 million facility.

More than 3 000 construction workers were on site during the construction phase and between 700 and 1 000 full-time jobs have been created at the centre.

A massive influx of bargain-hunters created a bottleneck in the vicinity of the Diaz traffic circle and traffic officers had their hands full to maintain order.

Atterbury CEO Louis van der Watt said Dunes Mall came into being after businesses approached the company and requested that such a facility be constructed.

“We made a promise and delivered. The South African government can learn a thing or two from Namibia where it is quite easy for the private sector to engage, invest and create opportunities.”

The mayor commented that the presence of Dunes Mall changed the landscape of the harbour city and said it would become an iconic first stop for many visitors entering Walvis Bay from the north and east.

“The impact of Dunes Mall, which offers 77 top national and international brands, will be very positive for all concerned. It is easily accessible and [because of] the sheer size of the project a lot happened behind the scenes before it became a visible reality.

“Its presence contributes to all-round stability and all visitors will found something of interest. We are extremely proud of the result and since it is a regional mall, everyone in Erongo should embrace it as their own,” Wilfred said.

Erongo governor Cleophas Mutjavikua thanked the developers for pushing forward despite tough financial times.

“Erongo is one of the most affluent regions with the second highest per capita income in Namibia. A number of development projects ... indicate we are moving in the right direction.”

The governor listed the Walvis Bay port expansion and new container terminal, the Husab Mine, Arandis and Karibib solar plant projects, the Platz am Meer Mall and the envisioned Desert Rose project as some of these projects.

He added that Group Isidoro was looking to establish cheese factories at Uis, Okombahe and Otjimbingwe.

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Namibian Sun 2024-12-27

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