Published by the government of Zimbabwe
Andreas Thomas
18 May 2008
Windhoek — Old Mutual Namibia has unveiled a 21-storey building project that it said will represent one of the largest post-independence building investments in Namibia.
The N$260 million project will take two years to complete. The building that will serve as the Old Mutual headquarters will make history in the Namibian architectural sector, as the first "green" building of its size to be constructed in Namibia.
The project was unveiled on Wednesday, during the cement pouring ceremony at the construction site in the heart of Windhoek central business district.
Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba, who officiated at the ceremony, said the event highlighted how Namibia's private sector can sieze opportunities to make a meaningful contribution to economic development and growth of the country.
"This is vital because a health and sustainable property development is important to the growth of our economy at both macro and micro levels," said Pohamba.
Pohamba said upon its completion, the building will contribute to the conservation of Namibia's natural environment.
"We welcome the private sector's growing awareness about environmentally-friendly building practices.
"In particular, the designing and constructing of environmentally friendly buildings can yield remarkable savings of energy and natural resources," he said.
Johannes !Gawagab, managing director of Old Mutual African Operations said Old Mutual does not only strive for profitability, but also understood the critical importance of running a sustainable enterprise.
"We are looking for ways to develop and implement sustainable practices, in terms of investment in our communities and our commitment to conserving our environment," said !Gawagab.
The building will consist of approximately 27 000 m2 of office and retail space as well as and parking. Old Mutual and Nedbank will occupy most of the space.
Leon Barnard of Leon Barnard Architects said innovative sustainable technologies had been installed in the building to realise energy savings.
He said the building has been designed to reduce carbon emission through the reduction of energy consumption compared with conventional office building.
The building is expected to maximise the use of natural daylight through large expanse of glazing. It will use energy efficient lighting sources and control system to reduce energy consumption.
"The objective has been to produce a landmark ecologically sustainable building that will provide a healthy, stimulating workplace, supporting organisational excellence and cultural change," said Barnard.
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