WALVIS BAY – Residents of Rehoboth are up in arms over plans to convert part of the long-unused Reho-Spa recreational facility into a rehabilitation centre.
Once the flagship of the town’s pride and a popular wedding venue, the facility has not been in use for the past 16 years, despite numerous efforts to revive it.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, during the launch of the NDP6 policy document last Monday, said a 48-bed mental health rehabilitation centre is currently being renovated in collaboration with the Ministry of Works and Transport in Rehoboth.
“The centre will provide long-term rehabilitative care, thermal therapy and postoperative recovery, addressing a long-standing service gap,” she said.
She, however, did not identify Reho-Spa for the initiative in her speech.
However, this does not sit well with residents, who now want the government to reconsider and would rather opt for a different venue for the rehabilitation centre.
Local mental health advocate Martha van Wyk expressed concerns about sharing the spa premises with mental health patients.
She said mental health patients deserve dignity, privacy and respect.
Therefore, the Reho-Spa is not a suitable venue for people to heal.
“This needs to be reconsidered. We acknowledge the need for such a facility in the town, but it would be best for the government to find space outside Rehoboth in a more peaceful environment,” she stated.
An official letter currently circulating on social media states that the ministry of works donated a 48-bed facility in Rehoboth to the ministry of health for the establishment of a national rehabilitation centre.
The letter adds that consultations between the two ministries resolved that the building be transferred.
A technical visit to the site was planned for 25 July 2025 to strategise its use.
However, health ministry spokesperson Walters Kamaya said they simply requested to make use of the facility.
“The ownership still lies with the works ministry, possibly the local authority,” he said, despite the letter suggesting a handover.
“I have not seen any official communication confirming that the building is now ours. It’s better to speak to the technical team or building manager for clarity,” he told New Era.
A local council member, who asked to remain anonymous, called the plan “mindboggling”.
“It is odd to have such a centre among residents. Why not apply for land or use other buildings that are better suited for this purpose?” the councillor said.
Rehoboth Town Council spokesperson Desiree Peters said they have seen the letter, but the council is still waiting for clear instructions.
“We are still waiting for clear instructions and consultations with the two ministries and the Office of the President. Let’s not jump to conclusions. We are waiting for official communication and clear guidance before making any decisions or statements,” she said.
Meanwhile, Hardap governor Riaan McNab, who addressed the matter in a short statement, clarified that the facilities will be transferred to the town council.
He said only part of the Reho-Spa will be used for health-related rehabilitation.
“We really need the rehabilitation facility too. The community entertainment parts – swimming pool, braai spots and bungalows – will remain for public use as planned,” he added.
“Let’s leave politics aside. It is election year, but the government has good intentions and your interests at heart,” he said.
Photo: Heather Erdmann