The national marine aquarium at Swakopmund closed its doors to the public this week for major repairs and rehabilitation to be conducted at the 30-year-old facility.
The closure could possibly extend to the end of 2024.
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) spokesperson Uaripi Katjiukua said the aquarium environment is “very corrosive” due to the constant exposure to seawater, both outside and inside the facility.
“Years of exposure to seawater has caused damage to many of the external and internal concrete structures, as well as the steel reinforcing bars inside the concrete. At this stage, it is not possible for the ministry to say how long the aquarium will be closed, since most of the critical damage to all the concrete structures is internal due to corrosion,” she said.
The extent of structural damage and the cost implications can only be determined after opening the damaged areas and assessing what the best rehabilitation procedures will be, she said.
The closure could last several months or possibly extend to the end of 2024. This comes as a blow to the tourism sector, as the aquarium is a major attraction, especially during the upcoming December summer holidays, she said.
Ministerial sources told The Namibian some of the fish at the aquarium will be placed in quarantine tanks at the centre, while others may be released back into the ocean.
Besides “some touch-ups”, the aquarium has not undergone a comprehensive renovation since its opening three decades ago.
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