Windhoek mayor calls for funding model amid housing crisis

Windhoek mayor Ndeshihafela Larandja has renewed calls for a reliable and sustainable funding model for the capital city, citing ongoing financial constraints that hinder service delivery despite Windhoek’s significant contribution to national revenue.Her remarks follow a meeting with urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa, during which they discussed pressing issues including the city’s housing backlog, the formalisation of informal settlements, infrastructure improvements and long-term financial sustainability. The mayor’s concerns come amid central government promises to deliver 5 000 new homes in Khomas by 2027, a goal she welcomed, though questioned in the context of inconsistent funding support. Speaking at the 8 May ordinary council meeting, the mayor said: “Our delegation used the platform to highlight the need for a reliable funding model for the City, noting the City&#039;s irregular funding despite generating significant government revenue.” Larandja also addressed local service delivery challenges during the council meeting. “The surge of concerns bemoaning overflowing skip containers that became an eyesore, as well as a threat to our communities’ wellbeing, did not fall on deaf ears,” she said.She further announced that a citywide clean-up campaign is underway, involving immediate waste removal and public education to promote long-term accountability.Collective action Turning to youth participation, the mayor welcomed the inauguration of the junior council and encouraged young leaders to engage in development initiatives. “I repeat my wish for collective action from families, educators, and government,” she said, urging involvement in community projects such as youth-led food production at Farm Okukuna.In addition, Larandja highlighted Windhoek’s strengthened partnership with UN-Habitat to advance the Smart City Strategy and localise the sustainable development goals. “Our relationship with UN-Habitat remains a cornerstone of our Smart City Strategy,” she said, noting that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) is being formalised.She further welcomed a recent visit of EU ambassador Ana Beatriz Martins, who “emphasised EU support for community initiatives such as the Shack Dwellers Federation, tree planting, and street art programmes”. A new MoU was also signed with the City of Blantyre, Malawi, to boost cooperation in public safety, education, tourism, and community development.

Windhoek mayor calls for funding model amid housing crisis

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-14

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Windhoek mayor calls for funding model amid housing crisis

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-14

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