Services & Infrastructure

maersWalvis Bay is well linked to Namibia’s rail and road network, with international connections in telecommunications, corridors, air traffic and shipping. The city is linked with the rest of Africa via the Trans-Kalahari and Trans-Caprivi Highways. These two highways play an important role in the Walvis Bay Corridor; a concept currently promoted and marketed by the Walvis Bay Corridor Group to attract more transport business through the port of Walvis Bay. Namibia has a well-established rail network linking it to South Africa and terminating at natural cross border connection points.

PORT

The deep-sea port of Walvis Bay allows for direct access to principal shipping routes. The port offers shippers a time saving of up to five days between the SADC region and Europe and the Americas. Walvis Bay is a congestion-free port with competitive turnaround times, complemented by first-class infrastructure and equipment, ensuring, safe and reliable cargo handling with zero pilferage.   The port consists of the Commercial Port and the Fishing Harbor. It offers extensive services with a range of terminal facilities for containers, bulk and break bulk including frozen and dry cargo. The Namibia Ports Authority continues to invest millions of dollars on a medium to long-term basis to make sure Walvis Bay remains one of the most efficient ports in the world.

The port provides a direct link with the Far East, South and North America, Europe and the Southern/Western African Coast. The ship repair industry has grown tremendously over the recent years, with the Synchrolift and additional floating dock facilities providing world-class services. Exporters and importers are guaranteed a saving of at least eight to ten days when shipping to and from the European and American markets. The port offers extensive services with a range of terminal facilities for containers, bulk and break bulk including frozen and dry cargo.

AIRPORT

The Walvis Bay International Airport is situated 11 km to the east of the city. A major upgrade of the airport to the tune of US$200 million is expected to be concluded in October 2008. This upgrade work includes the widening and lengthening of the runway and air traffic systems. This will allow the largest cargo carrier and commercial airplanes and jets to land.

WATER AND ELECTRITY

High quality, potable water from aquifers in the Kuiseb River, is available to both residents and industry. Occasional surface flow recharges the underground aquifers of the Kuiseb River, which has its headwaters in the central highlands of Namibia and is approximately 330km long. There is an ample supply of electricity to serve the needs of Walvis Bay, as well as to accommodate new developments.

MEDICAL FACILITIES

Walvis Bay has two well–equipped hospitals and three clinics, as well as medical support professionals in the private sector. Organized commerce is supported by an active local chamber of commerce and a Port User’s Association. Walvis Bay’s educational institutions are of a very high standard. Primary schools, secondary schools, a seaman’s training college, local branches of a number of tertiary institutions, three libraries and a museum, provide adequate development of human resources. The country boasts one of the most advanced telecommunication infrastructures in Africa, including an international exchange, ISDN broadband data and telephone facilities. Mobile phones function in most parts of Namibia including Walvis Bay. The Information Technology/Telecommunications industry meets global standards and links Namibia to international business and developed communities. Two cellular communication service providers have various antennas throughout Walvis Bay to ensure sound international reception.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Walvis Bay’s remarkable progress has been the result of careful and responsible planning by the local authority and the business community, which includes the application of international best practices of protecting natural resources and upholding social responsibility.