Ongwediva Town will soon witness the completion and inauguration of one of the biggest shopping centres in the northern regions, valued at N$90 million.

Developed by Tuhumeko Trust, a business venture of Amalia and Gerome Schmidt, the property will be known as Marula Mall, named after the indigenous trees around it. At least 75 shops for both the ground and top floors would be accommodated in the complex. As a result, the centre will be the first shopping mall in the northern regions which will have a top floor, something only found in bigger cities, such as Windhoek.

Strategically located, just a stone’s throw from the state-of-the art Ongwediva Private Medipark Hospital, the mall will cover a total area of 17 000 square metres. Currently the centre is partially operational and will be fully open to the public on 1 September.

“We are not in competition with anyone in the region, but the construction of this mall is a clear testimony that there is space for growth in Ongwediva Town,” said Gerome Schmidt. The couple has divided management responsibilities, meaning Gerome is mainly responsible for the construction of the mall, while his wife, Amalia, deals with the administrative activities of the centre.

Amalia says, “We are trying to bring much-needed services closer to our clients, who used to travel to Oshakati and other towns to get what they need.” Woermann Brock, will occupy a space of 2 000 square metres, followed by Standard Bank with 650 square meters.

Amalia, an award-winning businesswoman, whose acumen has made a mark with many other business establishments in the northern regions, noted that it is the wish of Tuhumeko Trust management that President Hifikepunye Pohamba should consider their invitation to officially inaugurate the centre. In terms of its quality and style of construction, the facility is second to none in the Oshana Region and Ongwediva Town in particular.

Public Relations Officer of Ongwediva Town Council (OTC), Andreas Uutoni, said that the construction of the N$90 million Marula Mall is a testimony to the fact that OTC has created a conducive environment for investors.

“One can clearly see that the investors are convinced that their properties are protected and secured at all times in Ongwediva Town. We continue to make Ongwediva the  town of choice for potential investors and we do this by promoting and guaranteeing their safety and security,” he noted.

Uutoni further explained that as part of their confidence-building measures among potential investors, OTC recently embarked on the tarring of the hotel and hospitality area at a cost of around N$2.5 million.

Unemployed people from the local community and beyond are flocking to the Marula Mall on a daily basis in search of employment.