Richard Hoaeb, Chairperson of the Walvis Bay management committee, presented a combined Municipal Council Capital and Operating budget totaling 1.3 billion dollars for the 2025/2026 financial year.
Councillor Hoaeb stated that 632 million dollars is allocated to capital projects and 660 million to operating expenses.
He emphasized that the capital budget prioritizes land development, with 272 million dollars designated for various housing and industrial land initiatives.
Key projects include Farm 37, Narraville Extension 8, and Walvis Bay Extension 9, which are expected to yield hundreds of new residential and industrial plots.
An additional 25 million dollars is allocated for industrial development for the Shack Dwellers Federation.
Infrastructure development will receive the second-largest allocation of 152 million dollars, focusing on road upgrades, sewer systems, and a new wastewater treatment plant.
He also mentioned that vehicle procurement, particularly new refuse trucks, will be prioritized to address service delivery issues caused by equipment breakdowns.
"These initiatives are integral to our broader vision of stimulating economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for all our residents. We will now provide a synopsis of the proposed budgets and tariffs for the financial year ending June 30, 2026. Total capital projects valued at N$ 1.15 billion will be executed over multiple years. The anticipated expenditure for the capital budget during the upcoming financial year is N$ 632 million, with the remaining N$ 518 million planned for the year ending June 2027 and beyond."
The operating budget of 660 million is balanced according to ministry guidelines, generating 79% of its revenue from municipal utilities such as water, sanitation, refuse removal, and property rates.
"We must acknowledge that some service delivery challenges stemmed from the absence of a substantive Chief Executive Officer in recent years. However, we are pleased to announce that Ms. Victoria Nelago Kapenda has formally assumed the role of CEO as of September 1, 2024. This budget marks the first under her leadership, and we are confident that her presence will significantly improve budget execution—particularly regarding capital projects. We anticipate a notable increase in execution rates, reflecting her experience and commitment."
Hoaeb also noted that road maintenance and pothole repairs have been identified as critical focus areas due to widespread deterioration, with plans to upgrade the town's road network.
He further stated that the Council reaffirms its commitment to land delivery, economic development, and improved municipal services, urging community engagement and support as the harbor town moves forward with implementation.