Obrein Simasiku

OMUTHIYA – A new shopping mall under construction and near completion will soon change the face of Omuthiya, bringing something new to the town and incorporating small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in an effort to boost grassroots businesses. This new venture is anticipated to create about 400 jobs for residents in the area once complete and fully occupied. 

Situated in the heart of Omuthiya near Hanahe service station, the two-layer mixed use development is known as Okaale Lifestyle Mall, in tribute to a nearby village. The mall makes provision for offices, restaurants, shops and leisure establishments as well as plenty of parking and ablution facilities. Mall owner, Herman Nekomba, said he is adamant to bring development to the town while at the same time boosting the economy. He feels this will go a long way in providing much-needed services to the masses who often rely on doing major shopping in Tsumeb, Ondangwa, Ongwediva or Oshakati to access a wider variety of stores and products. 

“Therefore, I saw it fit to establish a mall where we can house all the big shops and save the masses the long distances by providing a place where similar services can be offered. In other words, the local economy will be boosted as we return the monies that were once invested in other towns,” said Nekomba who is also involved in hardware retailing and has now opted to diversify. 

Meanwhile, the Spar SaveMor retail store has been confirmed as the mall’s anchor tenant while space is still available for other tenants. 
“There is enough space for any store you can think of. Purchasing power is amazing based on our customer market research. We have five units of 400 square metres on the SME hub section, while for big stores we have spaces ranging from 200 to 1 500 square metres. These units can be converted based on the occupant’s taste and desires,” Nekomba added.

Construction work started in January and it is expected to be completed and ready for occupancy by mid-December 2020. 
Omuthiya’s residents number just over 5 000 people but  the town serves a large population area of more than 20 000 people consisting of mainly teachers, police officers and subsistence farmers.

Town residents welcomed the new initiative saying they have been longing for a development of such magnitude as it will attract other investors and renowned retailers so far only seen in other towns. The residents said they would like to see shops like Edgars, Jet store, Hungry Lion, KFC, and more banking services.

“It will take all of us to work together and develop the town considering the pace at which it’s growing which calls for an accelerated reaction to service provision,” Nakomba 
concluded.