Following a deadlock in salary and wage negotiations, the Namibia Local Authority Union (NLAU) has declined Tsumeb Municipality’s 4% across-the-board offer.

An industrial action that brought the operations of the Tsumeb Municipality to a halt has ended after an agreement was reached with the Namibia Local Authority Workers Union.

Over 90 municipal employees have now returned to work after a two-day strike demanding better salaries and benefits.

Tsumeb Municipality workers have downed tools following failed salary and wage negotiations between the Namibia Local Authority Workers Union (NALAWU) and Council  for 2025/2026 financial year.

The Minister of Urban and Rural Development (MURD), James Sankwasa, has directed the Tsumeb Municipality to ensure that residents evicted from Endombo are allocated plots before the end of November 2025.

Employees of the Tsumeb Municipality, supported by the Namibia Local Authorities Workers Union (NALAWU), have submitted a petition to management accusing the council of mismanaging funds, delaying salary negotiations, and promoting unfair labour practices.

The Tsumeb Municipality is preparing to increase water tariffs in July 2025 to cover the operational costs of its newly constructed water treatment plant, valued at N$36 million.

In response to the high cost of living, the Tsumeb Municipality has approved a budget of N$171 million for the 2023–2024 financial year.

The budget aims to strike a balance between residents' needs, future planning, and investments.

Endobo evictees who have been camping outside the compound since September 2022, are calling on the municipality to address them on the way forward.

Occupants of about 72 households were evicted from Endobo last year and 47 received plots from Tsumeb Municipality.