The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism is finalising the tender process to appoint a contractor to renovate the office building (Ritterburg) in Swakopmund.

According to a media statement issued by the ministry’s spokesperson Romeo Muyunda recently, the ministry has set aside N$2.6 million for the renovation of the Ritterburg, which is expected to commence between April or May and is expected to be complete between August and September 2024.

The renovation of the office will be carried out as part of the ongoing development interventions in the coastal parks by Namparks V Project implemented by the ministry. The programme is co-financed by the Federal Republic of Germany through the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) via KfVV Development Bank.

“We recognise the fact that this monumental building is listed under the Heritage Council of Namibia and having it in a good state is paramount,” Muyunda noted.

The ministry has also reserved N$5 million for the renovation and expansion of the Walvis Bay office. This project is also expected to start this year once the tender process is completed.

The public is reminded that given the current economic situation of the country, the ministry is faced with a number of competing priorities which require to be attended to, he added.

“It is not the intention of the ministry to have public infrastructure in a dilapidated state,” said Muyunda.

-Nampa