Republikein Newspaper

Leandrea Louw - Namibia Breweries Limited (NBL) officially opened its coastal depot in Walvis Bay on Wednesday evening.

The facility was built to the tune of N$27 million and completed late last year.

The new depot will distribute about 30% of the company’s products and is said to be ten times larger than the previous one.

The previous depot in Swakopmund used to serve the old Hansa Brewery until 2003 when the facility was closed. The NBL still made use of the facility for warehousing, administration and distribution services.

According to Wessie van der Westhuizen, managing director of NBL, the relocation of the former coastal depot from Swakopmund to Walvis Bay speaks directly of the company’s passion and commitment towards its employees and customers.

“The deteriorating condition of the former depot in Swakopmund resulted in safety concerns and posed major health and safety risks for our employees, customers and clients. This led us to identifying a new location, and ultimately the construction of this beautiful new facility,” Van der Westhuizen said.

He said employees can now enjoy a pleasant and safe working environment.

Impact

Walvis Bay mayor Immanuel Wilfred emphasised the positive impact NBL and the Ohlthaver and List (O&L) Group have on the Namibian people and the economy.

“NBL employs close to 800 Namibians, while the O&L Group has ... more than 6 000 employees. This speaks volumes with regards to the contribution the O&L Group, and NBL in particular, makes to the Namibian economy.”

Wilfred said employment and economic development cannot be achieved by the council alone, but through well-crafted public-private partnerships.

“Partnerships, particularly in infrastructural development, are key to economic expansion, not only creating employment, but also growing economies.

“We are encouraging these initiatives, through workable joint ventures, so that together we can develop and grow our economy and ensure a better future for generations to come,” the mayor said.