17 Apr 2014
Gross Barmen Hot Springs Resort refurbishment in Namibia is almost complete
BY Helen Andrews
The refurbishment of the Namibian Gross Barmen Hot Springs Resort – with an initial budget of N$200m (US$19m, €13.7m, £11m) – is nearing completion but the opening date is unknown.
The state-owned resort has spent N$115m (US$10.9, €7.8m, £6.5m) on upgrades to hotel and retail facilities, according to local press. Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) – a state-owned enterprise which manages tourism facilities within protected areas of Namibia – is expected to take over the site in August.
The main attraction of the resort is its hot mineral spring water which are pumped into the large indoor thermal bath, the open-air swimming pool and private baths. The open-air swimming pool's temperature is usually between 25 and 29 degrees Celsius during the day. The water itself bubbles from the earth at a temperature of 65 degrees Celsius and cools off to 40 degrees Celsius for the thermal bath. The water in the children's splash pool is lukewarm.
“After the completion of the project, the resort will consist of high-class facilities, an office and administration building, conference centre, restaurant, outside and indoor pools, shopping facilities and a spa,” NWR acting managing director Zelna Hengari told local media.
Situated about 100km north of Windhoek and 25km from the town of Okahandja, the site has been closed since 2011 for redevelopment by Namibia Construction. N$220m (US$21m, €15m, £12.4m) was earmarked for the redevelopment project. Accommodation facilities were completed at a cost of N$64m (US$6m, €4m, £3.6m) and work on the swimming pool, conference centre and restaurant is almost finished. The spa is still under construction.
Initially scheduled for completion in June 2014, August has been suggested as a more practical date – due to delays in the construction work at the entrance areas, pool pump, changing rooms and spa facilities.
“The delays were mainly due to materials ordered from overseas, notably Germany; natural factors such as good rains received this year, as well as some information required for a carport at the entrance areas,” explained Hengari.
Before the refurbishment, the resort's accommodation consisted of four family chalets and 33 bush chalets, plus numerous camping sites.
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