Site preparation has begun, and construction of the "premium quality, 80 000m2 precinct development in the heart of the Windhoek CBD" in the form of Freedom Plaza, is set to commence early next year.

The first phase of the N$2 billion project will comprise the six-star boutique African Pride Eiliakim Namundjoebo Plaza Hotel - a 1 700m2, 131 luxury suite hotel, which is anticipated to be completed by mid-2010.

The hotel will form part of the Freedom Plaza mixed-use development, which will feature retail, residential, hotel, entertainment and offices "all interlinked in a single energised location".

At the official launch and groundbreaking of the Eliakim Namundjebo Plaza Hotel and Freedom Square development, the chairman of the Freedom Plaza and executive director of the United Africa Group, Haddis Tilahun, defined the project as "promoting indigenous people who have made sacrifices to secure opportunities bring us to where we are today".

Tilahun explained that the hotel, for which the estimated total project cost is N$180 million, would contribute immensely to the local economy, employing a permanent staff of 125 employees.

Giving the keynote address at the event, former president Sam Nujoma said that "from the architectural drawing that I have seen, the project, once completed with its state-of-the-art facilities, will enhance the beauty of the country's capital city, thus opening our country to more tourists and business opportunities".

Once completed, Freedom Plaza will include "four premium-grade office towers spanning some 35 000m2, a 3-star hotel, three trendy residential apartment blocks including 180 airy lofts and penthouses, and 8 000m2of convenient retail and 2 000 parking bays", in addition to the five-star hotel, named for Eliakim Namundjebo, who Nujoma described as one of the business pioneers of the country.

"Comrade Eliakim Namundjebo was indeed a great businesss entrepreneur who worked hard for success in the business arena.

He was a man driven by passion and determination.

His legacy is thus an inspiration to many of our people," he said.

The United Africa Group has a 100 per cent share in the African Pride Eliakim Namundjebo Plaza Hotel, and owns 50 per cent in the Freedom Square development along with its equal partner, Redefine Income Fund - a leading JSE-listed property company.

It has also secured the support of South Africa-based specialist developers, Madison Property Fund Managers and Swish Properties.