Two councillors from the Walvis Bay Municipal Council have rejected the proposed N$1.3 billion budget, describing it as unrealistic and out of touch with residents’ needs.

Councillors Ronald Bramwell and Ephraim Shozi voiced their concerns during a council meeting this week, accusing the municipality of poor financial management and lack of community involvement in the budgeting process.

Bramwell criticised the municipality for years of financial mismanagement and said residents have been sidelined.

"I do not agree with the budget. I think it is a bit of a showroom that is put every year, and we never manage to do it the way it should be done,” he said. “All the money that is collected by the finance department of the municipality is being paid by the residents of the town, and the services are rendered by the municipality. The municipality is obliged to provide services at an affordable rate. It is not the owner of the money—it is obliged to spend the money on the community.”

He added that the current year’s capital budget of N$45 million is underutilised, with less than half spent and only two months left in the financial year.

Bramwell also said the budget process lacks public participation. “During a recent public meeting, officials only informed the community of spending plans instead of engaging them in the budget’s formulation. This has become a standard practice.”

Councillor Shozi echoed Bramwell’s sentiments, saying the budget lacks legitimacy without community input.

“Supporting what I have said and that I don't approve or disapprove, your worship, is that we have made many mistakes, and we need to accept our mistakes,” Shozi said. “As far as the consultation of the community is concerned… what is a budget without the input of the community? It’s an insult to these communities.”

The proposed budget remains under discussion, with some councillors calling for it to be sent back for revision and wider consultation.