The Mayor of Walvis Bay, Johannes Shimbilinga, has welcomed the reopening of the revamped Independence Beach Park at the cost of about N$10 million during a Community Fun Day held at the town's promenade.

Hundreds of residents gathered along Walvis Bay's promenade for a Community Fun Day celebrating the transformation of the Independence Beach Park into a modern, climate-friendly public space.

Designed with sustainability and climate resilience in mind, the upgraded park is expected to boost social cohesion, recreation and tourism, while providing a safe and inclusive space for families and visitors. 

Shimbilinga described the redevelopment as a flagship achievement for the town, showcasing what can be accomplished through strong local leadership and international cooperation.

He credited Poland's City of Czerwonak as the implementation partner and the European Union for its financial support, saying the project demonstrates the impact of international partnership on local development.

The mayor, in a speech read on his behalf, called on residents to protect and take ownership of the park, saying the park now stands as a landmark of pride, progress and community spirit.

" As we unveil this beautiful space, I encourage each one of us to take ownership of it. This park is ours; let's cherish and protect it. Let's be mindful of our actions and work together to maintain its beauty for years to come. I call upon all of you to help care for this cherished place, ensuring it remains a vibrant part of our community's identity."

Mayor of Czerwonak , Marcin Wojtkowiak, had this to say.

" To all our friends from Walvis Bay and the Erongo Region, thank you so much. I hope that despite the great distance between our countries, we will be able to enter into many more joint ideas and projects in the future. Thank you."