Oshakati unveils N$350m budget

The Oshakati Town Council on Friday unveiled a N$350 million budget for the next financial year, with a strong focus on infrastructure development, improved service delivery, social services and the formalisation of informal settlements.The budget matches projected operational revenue with expenditure, reflecting prudent financial planning despite national economic pressures, according to the council.While still subject to approval by the urban and rural development ministry, Oshakati mayor Leonard Hango said the budget is not merely a financial tool but a strategic framework designed to build a resilient, inclusive and modern Oshakati.He said among the key projects earmarked for implementation are the construction of bulk services in Ompumbu (N$7.1 million), new road infrastructure in Oshakati North (N$7.5 million), the installation of prepaid water meters (N$1.3 million) and a children’s playground in Onawa (N$200 000).He also announced a modest tariff adjustment of 1–5% on selected services, adhering to ministerial directives.“In a significant development, Oshakati has been chosen by the urban ministry to spearhead a N$103 million national initiative to formalise and upgrade informal settlements," the mayor said."This includes major investments in sewer and water reticulation, pump stations and residential servicing, especially in areas like Evululuko and Okandjengedi. A total of N$56.7 million has been earmarked for servicing Oshakati North Extension 1, which will accommodate relocated residents,” he explained.Hard at workThe 2025/2026 budget builds upon an active year of implementation, where council completed several impactful projects. These included bitumen road upgrades and sewer reticulation (N$4.5 million each), phase two of the council flats project (N$4.8 million) and procurement of refuse containers and bins (N$700 000).Hango said council also extended community support through the mayoral development fund, aiding fire-affected families and elderly residents and facilitating the construction of informal sports fields.Looking ahead, he said the 2025/2026 budget outlines critical allocations to boost housing, mobility, sanitation and public safety.“These include road rehabilitation in the industrial area (N$8 million), the establishment of a formal taxi rank (N$700 000), waste site fencing (N$500 000), free electricity connections for relocated residents in Onawa (N$2.7 million) and construction of storm water channels (N$1.7 million),” Hango said.He called on all residents and businesses to honour their municipal obligations to ensure consistent service delivery and maintain Oshakati’s position as a leader in urban development and housing delivery.“This budget is a collective product of collaboration, vision and commitment. It reflects our unwavering dedication to building a future-ready Oshakati,” Hango concluded.

Oshakati unveils N$350m budget

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Namibian Sun 2025-12-22

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Oshakati unveils N$350m budget

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Namibian Sun 2025-12-22

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