The Olthaver and List Group of Com-panies is planning to develop a new Strand Hotel on the parking area next to the existing Strand Hotel on the Mole area, Swakopmund

A public Participative Process was arranged to gauge public opinion on the proposal. The purpose of the process was to ensure that all interested and affected parties were informed and had an opportunity to express their opinions and possible concerns.

People with direct interest were interviewed individually, some in Windhoek if they would not have the opportunity to travel to Swakopmund for the Open House Day which was held on 29 March in Swakopmund. It is estimated that about 150 people attended and a questionnaire was completed.

The key questions in the public meetings were:

Would you support responsible development of the Mole area?

Would you support a bid by O & L to acquirte a portion of the Mole parking lot for the proposed development?

The main reasons for the support of the development were the economic advancement and employment through toerism growth. It would mean better utilization of the Mole and crime and poor appearance of the Mole will be addressed. There is a need for up-market accommodation in Swakop-mund. Parking management will also be improved.

The main areas for concern were the following:

Design of the building, free access along the the Mole walkway, sufficiency of public parking, continued accessibility for Namibians, view restrictions due to height of building, noise levels during construction and secure parking for buses

The Public Participative Process was a tremendous succes according to the organisers and there is overwhelming positive response to the proposed development.

It can be emphasized that the process used gave far more people the opportunity to discuss the project in detail and to give their comments

With such overwhelming support for the project it would be detrimental to the future of Swakopmund, the tourism industry and the economy if this development was not allowed to continue.