Fitness may soon become part of the daily routine at Ongwediva Town Council, as the local authority considers establishing gym facilities for staff in a bid to improve wellness, reduce stress, and strengthen service delivery.

The council leadership says employee wellness is becoming increasingly important in a demanding working environment where staff members deal daily with public pressure, service delivery expectations, and workplace stress.

Ongwediva Mayor, Naemi Amuthenu says healthy employees are more productive and better equipped to maintain good interpersonal relations in the workplace. 

"To hold this wellness day once per year will not make an impact. I think it is a very good idea if we can set up facilities within the townhouse so that we'll be able to have a gym to have their body and mind fit."

She says the idea could be considered for the 2027/2028 financial year.

Staff members welcomed the idea, saying regular exercise could help improve both physical and mental well-being and strengthening teamwork.

"One would also want to have a gym at council or anywhere where staff can have access to so that it will be a routine that every staff member should do it every day or twice a week or three times a week just to keep up our physical and psychological fit to be able to deliver and fight stress, " reiterated employee Penda Kashihakumwa.

The council also hopes the initiative will encourage other local authorities to invest more in workplace wellness and fitness programmes for employees.