OUR HISTORY
Otavi had its humble beginnings as a railway town. In the late 1800s, German colonial forces declared the area “German property” after the discovery of rich copper and iron resources. In order to transport the excavated minerals, the Otavi Minen und Eisenbahn Gesellschaft constructed a railway line from Otavi to the coastal town of Swakopmund between 1903 and 1906.
However, German rule in the area was short lived. The forces of the Union of South Africa under British rule conquered the German army on 9 July 1915. After signing a peace treaty at Khorab just outside of Otavi, the town was officially under South African rule until Namibia’s Independence in 1990.
MAKING OTAVI GREATER
Living in Otavi means having access to both traditional and modern living. Although a town of with just over 5,000 inhabitants, Otavi boasts an economy that is strong, a diverse culture, and a spectacular quality of life. That’s why, today, Otavi is The Town With No Limits. A town that truly is set on defining great – a standard The Otavi Town Council works tirelessly to uphold.
Making this town a better place to live, work and build a business in is what the Otavi Town Council strives for every day. Because in today’s ever-changing economic landscape, it’s not enough to merely be good; we have to be great. Great at championing our town, great at focusing on what matters, and most of all – great at making our town the best it can be.
