The observation tower in the centre of the new Open Market, where operations in Oshakati commenced earlier this year, is still not in use.
This, according to the town’s CEO Werner Iita, is because the council has not yet found suitable investors.
In an interview with Nampa, he said the council is looking for an investor with a unique proposal that will attract people from all walks of life and from around the world. They are therefore seeking the public’s input on what they would like to experience.
“Oshungo yaShakati (the tower of Oshakati) was built in order to give people a better view of the town from above and thus has potential to attract tourists from all over. It needs good management and governance for this to be possible. We are also interested in creativity.”
Even though the CEO did not specify the type of business envisioned for the tower, the council would like for the tower to help maintain the town’s image. Businesses such as a café or restaurant would be ideal for the space available.
Iita also noted that the tower is one that needs to be maintained hence the perfect proposal will mean self-sustainability.
“We need for the tower to be well sustained, in a way that when something needs to be fixed, finances will be available to do so at all times.”
The council is inviting all interested Namibian investors to hand in their proposals for the management of the tower that is envisioned to be operational from 1 August.
The tower, which is 48 metres high, consists of 12 storeys - each named after a village in the vicinity of Oshakati.
The top of the tower, where the council envisions the café or restaurant, can be accessed via a staircase or elevator.
NAMPA