Rehoboth: The long-anticipated reopening of Reho Spa is now clouded in uncertainty amid speculation that part of the refurbished facility may be repurposed into a rehabilitation centre. While no formal plan has been tabled, residents and local officials have expressed frustration over the lack of clarity and communication surrounding the future for the historic site.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Reho Spa, known for its thermal springs and recreational amenities, was officially handed over to the Rehoboth Town Council in 2024 after being dormant since 2011. The facility has since undergone phased upgrades funded through a N.dollars 6.3 million allocation from the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, as stated by councillor Jacky Khariseb, who holds the portfolio for public health and safety, in an interview with Nampa on Monday.

Community members say expectations were raised earlier this year when the council announced plans to reopen the spa after winter. However, the continued delay, coupled with mounting speculation about its potential use as a rehabilitation centre, has reignited tensions. 'At this stage, it's only speculation. We have not received formal communication from the health ministry or any other line ministry. We are engaging in consultations this week and we hope for clarity soon,' Khariseb said.

The speculations point to the possible establishment of a 48-bed rehabilitation centre on the premises. Critics of the idea have raised concerns about privacy, stigma, and the potential loss of recreational space intended for the community. Residents involved in the spa's cleanup efforts say they feel sidelined. 'It's disappointing that we're still waiting for updates. A little transparency would go a long way,' said one volunteer. Another added: 'They keep saying renovations are ongoing, but how long is it going to take? The place has been closed for years.'

Ministry of Health spokesperson, Walter Kamaya, confirmed that ministry officials in recent months visited the site, but said the visit was only exploratory. 'The minister just requested health officials to familiarise themselves with the place. But nothing has developed from that. There is no formal agreement. No decision was taken,' Kamaya said.

Kamaya also confirmed that Health Minister, Dr Esperance Luvindao, alongside other ministers, also visited the facility as part of an initial exploratory assessment. He said the purpose of the visit was to familiarise themselves with the infrastructure to consider potential public uses for the site, including the idea of a rehabilitation centre. However, he stressed that no formal proposal or agreement has followed the visit. 'Those were just ideas floated during the recent visit. Nothing has been put on the table to say this is what the ministry plans to do. To comment on any rehabilitation centre plan would be premature. There has been no formal process,' he said.

Kamaya emphasised that the facility still belongs to the town council and Namibia Wildlife Resorts and that no request has been made to repurpose it for health services. Despite the uncertainty, residents remain invested. Local volunteers, together with the council, have spent months removing overgrowth, repairing infrastructure, and planting gardens in anticipation of Reho Spa's return as a public recreational asset. According to the council, support from community members has been vital to the rehabilitation effort.

With stakeholder consultations expected to take place this week, the council has promised to communicate the outcome once a way forward is agreed upon. 'Once we've concluded our discussions and received direction, we'll know how to proceed with the opening,' councillor Khariseb added.