Government spends N$6.3 million on Reho-Spa renovations

The government has spent N$6.3 million on the revival of Reho-Spa at Rehoboth during phases one and two.

According to councillor Jacky /Khariseb during an information session held at the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, the facility is expected to re-open to the public after winter.

The resort, one of the largest hospitality and recreational centres in the region, was once a sought-after tourist destination and is known for its thermal springs. However, the facility has fallen into disrepair in recent years.

/Khariseb says the government funded N$2 million for phase one, which is already completed. He said the Rehoboth Town Council is currently in the process to start with phase two.

“The government funded N$4.3 million for phase two. During phase one, various areas such as the swimming pools, braai areas, cleaning the yard and playground were complete.

Phase two will start soon. The money has already been made available to the council.”

The councillor says phase two will include renovations at the bungalows and administrative office.

/Khariseb says they initially planned to re-open sooner, but it has been extended to later this year.

“After phase one, we had experienced delays because of funding.

The government said after the successful completion of phase one, they will give us more funding for phase two.

When we completed phase one, the challenge was that we could not get the government on time to come and check,” he said.

Council spokesperson Desire Pieters says many of the community members were eager to offer their assistance for free while some gave donations.

“Some community members were very involved.

They assisted us greatly during the voluntary clean-up campaign.

They provided their services for free for cleaning and some donated various items such as plants and cement.

We are very thankful for everyone’s contribution. We are pleased that people were eager to come together and assist to get the spa open,” Pieters says.

Pieters says the project has also created employment opportunities for many. She adds that all the construction workers working at the spa are from the local community.

/Khariseb says the town council is currently engaging with the Namibia Wildlife Resorts on an agreement for the training of staff.

He says many partners have already shown interest in Reho-Spa and how they can assist in it’s success.

Resident Danny Isaacs says he was part of the voluntary clean-up campaign. His hope is that the spa can re-open soon because the town lacks entertainment options.

“Honestly here at Rehoboth there are very few entertaining and relaxing places.

Our teenagers are bored because there is nothing fun for them to do in the town.

It is good to provide a safe place for young people to hang out, make new friends, and stay out of trouble.

Towns with abundant entertainment areas keep residents happy and offer economic benefits through tourism, boost community engagement by providing gathering places, and foster a sense of belonging and pride,” Isaacs says.