The City of Windhoek is bracing for potential lawsuits from residents who may get injured at Zoo Park due to its deteriorating condition. City chief executive Moses Matyayi stated that the municipality has assessed the park and identified safety concerns that require attention. The city can no longer guarantee safety in certain areas, and residents may sue if they get hurt. This warning was given during a consultative engagement between the municipality and the National Assembly standing committee on economy and industry.
The safety concerns at Zoo Park come as the facility is increasingly associated with drug dealing and use. A recent report highlighted the issue, prompting the municipal council to acknowledge the poor condition of the park and adopt a resolution to restore it. Matyayi stated that the municipality is considering measures to address the safety concerns while developing a long-term plan to renovate the park. A tender has been issued to identify contractors who can carry out repairs.
The city is also seeking private investors to finance a larger redevelopment of the park. This move follows a previous council resolution to redevelop Zoo Park through a public-private partnership. However, member of parliament George Kambala questioned what had become of the earlier decision, citing concerns that council resolutions were not being implemented. The discussion also touched on the lack of activities in Windhoek's central business district after working hours.
Kambala expressed concern that the city "dies" after 5 pm, with young people who use public spaces for activities such as skating often being chased away by the Windhoek City Police. He questioned what the municipality is doing to attract people to the CBD in the evenings. Another member of parliament, Willem Amutenya, highlighted Windhoek's opportunities for tourism development despite lacking some economic activities found in towns like Swakopmund.
Amutenya urged the municipality to coordinate tourism activities that would encourage visitors to spend more time and money in Windhoek. He noted that there are currently no activities for tourists in the city. Responding to concerns about the CBD, Matyayi acknowledged that some businesses have moved to shopping centres like Grove Mall. However, he stated that the municipality is considering ways to improve Post Street Mall and Independence Avenue to attract more visitors and businesses.
The parliamentary committee's engagement focused on Windhoek's economic development, urban planning, infrastructure, and financial sustainability. Matyayi stated that the CBD is not "dying out" but rather needs improvement. The municipality is exploring ways to enhance the area and make it more attractive to visitors and businesses.
The city is taking steps to address the safety concerns at Zoo Park and revitalize the CBD. With the help of private investors and contractors, the municipality aims to restore the park and create a vibrant public space. The redevelopment of Zoo Park and the revitalization of the CBD are crucial for Windhoek's economic growth and tourism development.
Key points
- The City of Windhoek faces potential lawsuits due to safety concerns at Zoo Park.
- The municipality is seeking private investors to finance a larger redevelopment of the park.
- The city aims to revitalize the CBD and make it more attractive to visitors and businesses.
