Coastal News

THE Swakopmund municipal council has reassured local residents that it is actively addressing the ongoing concerns surrounding the undeveloped land at Erf 4747, commonly referred to as the old indoor-swimming pool site next to the popular Mole Beach. Swakopmund CEO Alfeus Benjamin, in a media release, acknowledged the community’s frustrations over the stalled development and emphasised that the matter remains a top priority for the local authorities. The site, which has been the subject of public outcry due to concerns about mass development and height restrictions, has been in limbo for several years. Despite efforts from the developers and consultations with legal experts, no progress has been made, much to the dismay of the Swakopmund community. The project was halted following a petition and scoping exercise, during which residents voiced opposition to plans for high-rise structures on the site. “We acknowledge the public’s concerns and the sensitivity surrounding this issue,” said Benjamin. He further added that the Council is fully aware of the importance of the matter and is committed to handling it with the utmost integrity and transparency. The situation is delicate due to the property having been presented to other developers for sale, a move that requires careful consideration of legislative requirements. Residents, however, remain divided on the council’s handling of the situation, and frustrations have surfaced in public forums. “A whole page of waffle that says nothing new. Surely the council created the problem when they sold the property without conditions requiring specific performance?” one public member asked, suggesting that the council should have included conditions for the property to revert back to them if development did not proceed within a certain timeframe. Another person questioned the restrictions on building heights, arguing that they are limiting Swakopmund’s potential for growth. “This height restriction is dragging Swakopmund behind. A town surrounded by desert and sea with not enough space for expansion should already look into high-rise buildings,” she commented. There have been calls for more immediate, creative solutions. Somone proposed that the council rehabilitate the site into a green zone in the interim to mitigate the eyesore and curb criminal activity in the area. Some residents remain sceptical of the council’s commitment to finding a solution. One dismissed the council’s efforts as “just excuses” and expressed doubts that any progress would be made soon. Despite the varied opinions, there is consensus that something must be done about the site. One person suggested a more temporary solution, asking “Why can’t they take away that eyesore tin fencing and maintain a nice lawn area? Because in five years, I’m sure it will still be as it is now.” The Swakopmund council has appealed for patience from the community as it continues to navigate the complexities of the development. “We remain committed to managing this situation with the utmost integrity and transparency, and we ask the Swakopmund community’s patience as we work towards a resolution that benefits the entire Swakopmund,” said Benjamin. Photo: EYESORE... The fenced in hole where the old indoor-swimming pool used to be, and for which developers are vying to build multi-million dollar hotels, remains a thorn in the flesh of the community.