N$26m needed for Reho-Spa

THE Rehoboth Community Trust is yet to renovate the hot springs recreational resort Reho-Spa, which has been closed for seven years.

The trust’s chairperson Ronald Kubas said they have not been able to raise money for the upgrade.

“Financing to the tune of N$26 million has not been secured yet due to the project’s risk profile and financiers’ appetite,” he explained.

The spa, which boasts a large swimming pool, thermal bath, bungalows and conference facilities, was first closed in 2008.

At the time, it was reported that the facility shut its doors after huge liabilities were accrued by Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) following a failed public-private partnership venture when the spa was leased to investors.

The spa was closed for the second time in 2011, after which attempts to reopen it were first made in 2014, with the community trust signing a 12-year lease agreement with NWR, the owners of the resort.

In 2014, NWR spokesperson Mufaro Nesongano told The Namibian that the trust would have ownership of the place.

It was also reported that N$1  million was owed in water and electricity bills, but Kubas reportedly said the bills were NWR’s responsibility.

Kubas said in an email response that the place might be open only after a year, once funding had been secured.

“We remain committed to reopening it, but only after extensive renovations are made as it is not viable to open without the appropriate investments,” he noted.