By: Staff writer

In a notice, the Namibia Ports Authority (Namport) said the last date for submission of expression of interest (EOI) for the Walvis Bay Waterfront Development is 6 March 2023.

The company stated that the deadline for respondents to register as a respondent is 16 January 2023.

The development of a waterfront & marina, identified by Namport to better combine sea port activities with recreational and tourism activities, is well on track with the actual Marina, which will supplement the waterfront, expected to be completed in the near future.

The Walvis Bay Waterfront is located in the extreme southern corner of the port of Walvis Bay, thus providing a unique interface between the town and the sea.

The first EOI was issued in 2016, with Namport inviting potential developers/partners to partner with them and develop the prestigious port of Walvis Bay Waterfront and Marina.

This EOI was the first step in a two-step process to select the preferred developer(s)/partners.

In 2014/15 Namport appointed Royal Haskoning DVH as main consultant, with Macintosh & Lautenbach Architects, Jordaan Oosthuysen Nagolo Quantity Surveyors, DENCI Consulting Engineers (DCE) and COMPRO INC Consulting engineers in support, to conduct a feasibility study on the proposed waterfront and marina development. The study mainly focused on gathering all relevant information in order to advise Namport on the environmental, social, technical, financial and economic feasibility of a waterfront marina development in the area currently known as the Walvis Bay waterfront.

In their latest EoI notice, NamPort is inviting eligible entities to conceptualise, design, build and operate a modern waterfront development within the area of the port of Walvis Bay and on land owned by Namport.

“Through this EOI process, Namport wishes to gauge market interest in this exciting project, which may then lead to a subsequent competitive bidding process and ultimately the appointment of a preferred Waterfront developer, all as outlined in the EOI bid document,” Namport said.

The company said that about seven hectares of prime land is on offer, plus a sizeable adjacent calm water area, all located right in the middle of the Walvis Bay lagoon on the one side (a pristine wetlands (RAMSAR site) of international importance), and the port of Walvis Bay South Port on the other side.

Now that the port’s new container terminal is operational, the port authority is able to turn its attention towards completely demolishing the current waterfront area to be developed by a private developer into a modern waterfront precinct.

The port of Walvis Bay Waterfront and Marina will be a mixed use development that will include among others, the following facilities: luxury hotels, offices, limited number of apartments, shops (retail), conference centre, restaurants, health centre, spa, medical centre and various other recreational, leisure, tourism and hospitality establishments, in addition to public open spaces.

Together with Namport’s other project, the Walvis Bay Marina Development that is already at 50% implementation stage, the two projects aims to create a cluster of hospitality, tourism, recreational-boating and pleasure-craft related businesses that will soften but also complement the adjacent heavy industrial activities within the port of Walvis Bay and in turn give the general public a unique port waterfront and marina experience.

Together with the completed cruise-line berth inside the port, this project is set to ensure that tourism, industrial development, water sports and recreational boating activities can flourish side by side in very close proximity.

Businesses operating in the waterfront area will be relocated to a specific area called the Marina Development. Namport has already appointed service provider to install service utilities, and has created additional capacity to accommodate more businesses, specifically targeting the SME sector and the informal economy.

The landside part of the marina project will see construction of small wooden restaurants and takeaways which will be linked to the waterfront project with public roads and walkways. It is understood that the marina will be built and operated by Namport directly.

The total project cost  ranges from N$300 million to N$1 billion or more, depending on the level of investment which the private developer intends to make it.

It is envisaged that the project be developed in phases over a number of years, depending on the market demand.