Nkurenkuru: The Nkurenkuru Expo Hall, which is incomplete due to the initial contractor abandoning the project, is finally set to become fully functional thanks to support from the Namibian Ports Authority.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Namport has pledged N.dollars 527,000 for the completion and renovation of the hall, ensuring it can be fully utilised for exhibitions, trade fairs, and community events.

The Nkurenkuru Town Council’s Manager for Technical Services, Planning, and Environment, Oswald Sihova, told Nampa in an interview Wednesday that Namport’s pledge was made during the Nkurenkuru Expo gala dinner and comes at a crucial time, as the town council has been struggling to finish the building due to budget constraints.

“Construction of the expo hall began in 2020 and was completed in 2023. It took a long time because the first contractor abandoned the project, and the council had to find another contractor,” Sihova stated.

Despite its partial completion, the hall still lacks key elements. Sihova highlighted the absence of tiling, proper lighting, a ceiling, and adequate ventilation systems. “There are challenges in the hall like the lack of tiling, no lights in the toilets, as well as the ceiling. Also, the concrete floor is usually dusty, so when a lot of people come in, the hall gets dusty,” he said.

He also stressed the need for proper ventilation as the hall becomes uncomfortably hot because of poor air circulation. Addressing these issues will significantly enhance the marketing and promotion of the expo hall, which could lead to more bookings, Sihova said.

“With these improvements, we expect the hall to be used more because there will be more lights inside and outside, leading to more bookings and allowing more activities to take place in the evening,” he added.

The Nkurenkuru Hall is currently used for conferences, government events, and expos, and can accommodate approximately 600 to 800 people.