By Staff Reporter
WINDHOEK
Rosh Pinah-based entrepreneur, Ronnie Coleman, is expanding his already large shopping centre located in the rapidly growing southern mining town to include retail and office space for 20 new entrepreneurs.
Since the major investment earlier this decade by Scorpion Zinc transformed the town, shopping facilities did not keep pace with the demands brought about by an increasing population, reported SME Compete, a local firm that supports enterprise and entrepreneurial development in local economic projects in Rosh Pinah.
Another obstacle in the expansion of shopping facilities was the town’s status –
that of a mining settlement and not an autonomous municipality or local authority.
But Coleman would not let an entrepreneurial opportunity slip.
“Bureaucracy must not be allowed to stand in the way of local economic development,” said Coleman.
He first took over a general retail outlet and turned it into a well-stocked retail store. He then built a lodge with a restaurant facility. He had also in the meantime grown his road haulage and passenger transport business, which is now one of the largest Namibian-owned and managed transport firms.
The new shopping complex in the centre of town is a modern facility, which includes a Spar franchise with a butchery and bakery.
The investment in the shopping mall is an estimated N$7 million, and represents one of the largest property developments in southern Namibia that has created hundreds of jobs during its construction phase. Scores of permanent jobs will be created once it is fully operational by next month.
Coleman envisages expanding his business to Noordoewer, but first wants to complete the construction of a game lodge in Helmeringhausen.