Maria David
THE multi-million dollar Oshikuku Cultural Heritage Centre is nearly completed and is expected to be open to the public soon.
The Centre is a council initiative to preserve and uphold the traditional norms and cultural practices of the Uukwambi tribe and their traditional boundaries within the ambit of the town.
Local Economic Development and Public Relations Officer John Siloiso, said the Centre will serve as heritage preservation and historical education centre through its public museum and traditional homestead.
In 2013, Council conceptualized an idea to develop a Cultural Heritage Centre within its area of jurisdiction.
Once fully completed, the centre would serve multiple purposes such as an educational centre, family and youth leisure centre, accommodation establishment, heritage preservation centre and business conference centre including a restaurant and bar facilities.
Siloiso said that the development of this centre is being funded by the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development through the Local Economic Development Agency (LEDA).
To date, an amount of approximately N$3 870 000 inclusive of cost of servicing and fencing of the area has been spent since 2015.
Upon completion, the centre will be comprised of bungalows and campsite, traditional homestead, museum, bar and restaurant, curio shop and kiosk, swimming pool, braai facilities and an open-air entertainment area.
“We are doing this with the aim of ensuring that council generates additional revenue through accommodation and eatery facilities,” he said.
However, Siloiso, stated that Council is yet to construct a bar and restaurant with boardroom in the next phase.
He indicated that due to budgetary constraints, the restaurant and bar cannot be constructed during the 2022/2023 financial year.
“Council is in the process of submitting a request to MURD for financial consideration in the next financial year,” he added.
Siloiso stresses that adding a restaurant and bar to the centre will make it more attractive for business as Council intends to lease the centre to a capable business entity that can manage it for a number of years while generating revenue and fulfilling the objectives of the centre.
