NKURENKURU – The Nkurenkuru Expo Hall is finally set to become fully functional – thanks to support from the Namibian Ports Authority. 

The hall is incomplete due to the initial contractor abandoning the project, Namport has pledged N$ 527 000 for the completion and renovation of the hall. 

The donation is to ensure the hall can be fully utilised for exhibitions, trade fairs and community events. 

Namport’s pledge was made during the Nkurenkuru Expo gala dinner. 

It comes at a crucial time, as the town council has been struggling to finish the building due to budget constraints. 

This was revealed by the Nkurenkuru Town Council’s manager for technical services, planning and environment Oswald Sihova in an interview with Nampa on Wednesday. 

“Construction of the expo hall began in 2020 and was completed in 2023. It took a long time because the first contractor abandoned the project. The council had to find another contractor,” he stated. 

Despite its partial completion, the hall lacks key elements. 

Sihova highlighted the absence of tiling, proper lighting, a ceiling and adequate ventilation systems. 

“There are challenges in the hall like the lack of tiling, no lights in the toilets, as well as the ceiling. Also, the concrete floor is usually dusty, so when a lot of people come in, the hall gets dusty,” he said. 

He stressed the need for proper ventilation, as the hall becomes uncomfortably hot because of poor air circulation. 

Addressing these issues will significantly enhance the marketing and promotion of the expo hall, which could lead to more bookings. 

“With these improvements, we expect the hall to be used more because there will be more lights inside and outside, leading to more bookings and allowing more activities to take place in the evening,” Sihova added. 

The Nkurenkuru Hall is currently used for conferences, government events and expos. 

It can accommodate approximately 600 to 800 people. 

-Nampa