Walvis Bay tables N$1.3b budget
Improving refuse collection a priority
Around 43% of the capital budget, amounting to N$272 million, has been allocated to land development projects at the coastal town.
The Walvis Bay municipality on Friday presented a N$1.3 billion budget for the next financial year.
Committee chairperson Richard Hoaeb said N$632 million is earmarked for capital projects, while N$660 million will cover operating expenses.
Hoaeb added the budget aligns with the municipality’s strategic plan adopted in July 2021, which runs until June 2026."
“This budget therefore represents the final instalment under the current strategic plan of the council and underscores our continued dedication to its strategic objectives.”
A total of 43% of the capital budget, amounting to N$272 million, has been allocated to land development projects.
“We remain firmly committed to land delivery, a foundational pillar in our strategy to attract investment, stimulate economic activity and create employment opportunities," Hoaeb stated.
One of the major initiatives is the development of Farm 37, with N$88 million allocated to Portions 10 and 11. These will yield 727 urban plots, including 677 residential plots, he added.
“Currently a total number of 151 residents willingly moved to Farm 37, and the list continues as the demand increases.”
He noted that although Farm 37 is not yet fully serviced, sewage and water services are already in place, with water currently provided free of charge.
“Arrangements to provide prepaid water meters are in progress,” he added.
Narraville Extension 8 has been allocated N$52 million and is expected to yield 225 urban plots, including 194 designated for residential use.
Extension 9 in Walvis Bay will receive N$42 million for the development of 50 light industrial plots, five general business plots, and two industrial plots.
An additional N$25 million has been set aside for residential development through the Shack Dwellers Federation.
Upgrades
Infrastructure development received the second-largest allocation, with N$152 million (24%) of the capital budget earmarked for infrastructure repairs, road resealing and the rehabilitation of streets and intersections.
Part of the funding will also go towards upgrading water and sewer infrastructure, as well as planning a new wastewater treatment plant.
Service delivery and social projects each account for 7% of the capital budget.
Reliable services
Vehicle procurement and replacements, including plant and machinery, account for 17% of capital expenditure.
Priority has been given to replacing refuse collection trucks, following frequent breakdowns that have disrupted waste removal services in Walvis Bay.
“This has had a direct impact on service delivery, particularly in the removal of refuse, an issue that has caused frustration among our residents,” Hoaeb acknowledged.
“In response, the council has prioritised the procurement of five new refuse trucks as part of this budget with the aim of restoring consistent and reliable refuse removal services across Walvis Bay.”
The operating budget stands at N$660 million, excluding non-cash items amounting to N$157 million. The budget is balanced, with no surplus or deficit, in line with requirements set by the urban and rural development ministry.
Approximately 79% of projected revenue will be generated from utility services, including water sales, property rates and taxes, refuse collection and sanitation.
“While the average inflation rate over the period was 5%, an average tariff increase of 3% has been implemented across these utility services, including rates and taxes,” said Hoaeb.
Committee chairperson Richard Hoaeb said N$632 million is earmarked for capital projects, while N$660 million will cover operating expenses.
Hoaeb added the budget aligns with the municipality’s strategic plan adopted in July 2021, which runs until June 2026."
“This budget therefore represents the final instalment under the current strategic plan of the council and underscores our continued dedication to its strategic objectives.”
A total of 43% of the capital budget, amounting to N$272 million, has been allocated to land development projects.
“We remain firmly committed to land delivery, a foundational pillar in our strategy to attract investment, stimulate economic activity and create employment opportunities," Hoaeb stated.
One of the major initiatives is the development of Farm 37, with N$88 million allocated to Portions 10 and 11. These will yield 727 urban plots, including 677 residential plots, he added.
“Currently a total number of 151 residents willingly moved to Farm 37, and the list continues as the demand increases.”
He noted that although Farm 37 is not yet fully serviced, sewage and water services are already in place, with water currently provided free of charge.
“Arrangements to provide prepaid water meters are in progress,” he added.
Narraville Extension 8 has been allocated N$52 million and is expected to yield 225 urban plots, including 194 designated for residential use.
Extension 9 in Walvis Bay will receive N$42 million for the development of 50 light industrial plots, five general business plots, and two industrial plots.
An additional N$25 million has been set aside for residential development through the Shack Dwellers Federation.
Upgrades
Infrastructure development received the second-largest allocation, with N$152 million (24%) of the capital budget earmarked for infrastructure repairs, road resealing and the rehabilitation of streets and intersections.
Part of the funding will also go towards upgrading water and sewer infrastructure, as well as planning a new wastewater treatment plant.
Service delivery and social projects each account for 7% of the capital budget.
Reliable services
Vehicle procurement and replacements, including plant and machinery, account for 17% of capital expenditure.
Priority has been given to replacing refuse collection trucks, following frequent breakdowns that have disrupted waste removal services in Walvis Bay.
“This has had a direct impact on service delivery, particularly in the removal of refuse, an issue that has caused frustration among our residents,” Hoaeb acknowledged.
“In response, the council has prioritised the procurement of five new refuse trucks as part of this budget with the aim of restoring consistent and reliable refuse removal services across Walvis Bay.”
The operating budget stands at N$660 million, excluding non-cash items amounting to N$157 million. The budget is balanced, with no surplus or deficit, in line with requirements set by the urban and rural development ministry.
Approximately 79% of projected revenue will be generated from utility services, including water sales, property rates and taxes, refuse collection and sanitation.
“While the average inflation rate over the period was 5%, an average tariff increase of 3% has been implemented across these utility services, including rates and taxes,” said Hoaeb.
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