LÜDERITZ – In an ambitious move to drive economic growth and improve the quality of life for its citizens, the Lüderitz Waterfront Development Company (LWDC) is expected to soon announce a series of public-private partnerships (PPPs) to transform the town’s tourism and healthcare sectors.
Speaking during a media briefing on Wednesday on behalf of a leading development company in the southern coastal town, LWDC CEO Fluksman Samuehl revealed plans to construct a state-of-the-art beachfront hotel at the harbour town in partnership with the private sector.
The hotel, which will be built on privately owned land, aims to boost tourism while addressing the chronic shortage of accommodation during major events.
He said the town regularly experiences frustrations during major events.
These frustrations have been exacerbated recently due to the heightened focus in the area following oil discoveries and green hydrogen initiatives.
He also noted that the company already engaged the line minister.
“As a company, we have also put together a proposal to establish a modern private hospital, with the majority shareholder coming from the private sector,” he added.
LWDC is focused on transforming the Lüderitz beachfront into economically viable and human-centred spaces.
The company provides a range of professional services aimed at residential and commercial developments.
The Namibian government recently allocated N$88 million to LWDC to support the continuation of strategic infrastructure projects.
This funding was specifically aimed at completing the second phase of the waterfront development, which underscores government’s commitment to enhancing economic activities in the area. The construction of the hotel will be the third phase, while the construction of the health facility takes place during the fourth phase.
The hospital is intended to cater to medical tourism and will also be constructed on private land.
Additionally, the development company is in discussions with the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation to establish a media studio in the town.
The goal is to create an environment conducive to growth and development.
Lüderitz is at the forefront of Namibia’s energy transformation, with recent oil discoveries and Hyphen’s green hydrogen project drawing attention and significant investment.
These factors promise a significant boost and substantial infrastructure development for the local economy.
Samuehl further emphasised Namibia’s immense potential for growth and development, but stressed the need for qualified, creative and ethical leaders to drive transformation.
“If Namibia, whether in the public or private sector, chooses to put people in positions of great responsibility who are unqualified, incompetent, lazy or deadwood, the country will pay a heavy price,” he cautioned.
Government’s embrace of PPPs underscores its commitment to creating an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive and contribute to national development.
As the country moves forward with these ambitious projects, it will be crucial for government to remain focused on good governance, merit-based appointments and ethical leadership to ensure the success of these partnerships and overall domestic development.