Residents of the Goreangab constituency in Windhoek will now no longer have to travel long distances for shopping.
This follows the opening of the Goreangab Mall, a N$270 million development.
The flagship development is a strategic partnership between Oryx Property Limited and the Safland Property Group, located in the heart of one of Windhoek's most vibrant districts.
Marketing manager at Safland Property Group, Rhodda Bessinger emphasised that the mall has brought about approximately 700 job opportunities for the community during the construction phase and now that the mall is in operation.
"The mall has created over 300 jobs during the construction phase, and with the mall opening now, we have over 360 jobs created, approximately. So there has been a whole riot, a whole question of employment creation. So each tenant, each shop, is responsible for employing their own people, not the mall. So the employment the mall creates is for cleaning, for security, and for maintenance to make sure that the place is always ready to receive customers."
Bessinger also pointed out that it is important that retail services be brought closer to the communities because it is convenient and saves on taxi fare.
Goreangab resident Tjivatu Kangooti expressed satisfaction with the job creation but pointed out that the elderly also need jobs.
"We were more than even 150-something. More youth and more old people were also here seeking jobs. So it was very experienced that I saw that, wow, if I could get an opportunity to run the country, youth would really need work and all that. And they are serious this year. I can see them; they are serious."
Another resident, Hitlar Henghono, says the mall has a huge impact on the Goreangab and Katutura communities.
"The mall has made a big difference for the community. As people from all over, not only Goreangab but also Havana or Goreangab, Stop and Shop. Everybody comes here to come shop. Everybody is welcome to come shop here. As well as that, the mall has created job opportunities for the community."