Lüderitz unlocks budget blueprint

The Lüderitz Town Council tabled a N$276.6 million provisional operational and capital budget for the 2025/26 financial year during a recent ordinary council meeting. The proposed budget, which is subject to approval by the urban and rural development ministry, totals N$276 557 235.20.It prioritises land planning and surveying for townland expansion, as well as the servicing of land and water, electricity, sewerage and road infrastructure upgrades. “This budget underscores our dedication to infrastructure development, efficient service delivery and fiscal discipline," mayor Phil Balhao said. "We are committed to transparency and responsible governance as we prepare to implement these plans, pending final approval."Key focus areas include infrastructure upgrades and improvements to social services aimed at accelerating service delivery. Provision has also been made for economic growth and development, alongside environmental sustainability initiatives such as dumpsite rehabilitation.“The proposed budget reflects our commitment to responsible financial management and adheres to the zero-based budgeting principle, which requires all expenditures to be funded by income generated within the same year," the mayor said.Local value additionBalhao explained that for the 2025/26 operational budget, N$200 850 235.20 has been allocated for both revenue and expenditure.He highlighted key aspects of the operational expenditure, including investment in modern digital equipment to improve service delivery and reduce turnaround times.“Council allocated N$1.1 million for initiatives to develop the community and add value to the local economic sector through structured intervention mechanisms," he said."We have also earmarked significant upgrades to our sewer lines in the heavily affected areas through the upgrading and reinstalling of sewer pump stations and sewer pipelines."Furthermore, N$3.9 million is set aside for repairs and maintenance of the town’s road network. "We are also investing N$3.9 million to acquire six new vehicles, aimed at improving service delivery and replacing ageing fleet assets.”Government assistance The capital development budget (Capex) amounts to N$71.8 million.“Our Capex has been allocated for land planning, servicing and infrastructure upgrades, funded by central government support through the medium-term expenditure framework," he explained.This includes N$6.3 million for engineering and consulting services for the construction of an additional water command reservoir and N$2.5 million for land surveying to support the planned expansion of townlands by a further 290 000 hectares.Service delivery A total of N$25.1 million has been earmarked for the construction of municipal services in Nautilus Extension 4, while N$9.2 million has been allocated for the procurement of a town planning consultant to implement the infill and densification strategy aimed at addressing the town’s housing crisis, Balhao said.Balhao further noted that, as part of the town’s electrical network upgrade, the supply of key electrical components is crucial to ensure energy security and boost investor confidence. "Thus, council has set aside a combined N$8.9 million to address these service interruptions."The commissioning of an engineering consultant for the feasibility of the construction of an additional wastewater treatment plant has been budgeted at N$3.8 million.Balhao said that tariffs have been revised to reflect current inflation and increased costs of materials, fuel and utility rates, including a 3.8% increase from NamPower. “These adjustments are crucial for maintaining sustainable service delivery.”

Lüderitz unlocks budget blueprint

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Namibian Sun 2026-03-26

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Lüderitz unlocks budget blueprint

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Namibian Sun 2026-03-26

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