Walvis municipality tables N$1.6 billion budget

The Walvis Bay municipality tabled its proposed N$1.6 billion budget for the 2026/2027 financial year on Friday, with land development projects receiving the largest allocation.

Presenting the budget, chairperson of the management committee councillor Ephraim Shozi explained that the proposed budget comprises a capital budget of N$883 million and an operating budget of N$690 million for the year ending 2027, with both continuing and new capital projects to be funded.

He said land delivery remains central to economic development and social progress.

A total of N$299 million (34%) has been allocated to land development initiatives, while the remaining 66% of the capital budget is distributed among various project categories.

These include infrastructure repair and replacement (28%), service delivery projects (12%), social projects (12%), vehicle replacement and new acquisitions (13%), and operating capital-related expenditure financed through revenue (1%).

“Infrastructure development receives the second-largest allocation, amounting to N$249 million, or 28% of the capital budget. The remaining categories each account for between 1% and 13% of the total capital allocation,” Shozi explained.

He added that the budgetary provisions have been developed in alignment with the newly developed council's strategic plan, to be adopted effective 1 July, which is set to conclude in June 2031.

“This budget is guided by two critical priorities: infrastructure repair and replacement, and serviced land delivery and housing," he said.

Roads, water networks, sewer systems and public facilities require urgent attention to ensure reliability, safety, and sustainability, Shozi added.

"Through this budget, we are making a firm commitment to repair, maintain and replace critical infrastructure so that we can improve services, reduce disruptions, and build a stronger foundation for future growth”.

Targets outlined

Capital projects worth a total of N$1.4 billion will be implemented over a period of more than one year.

Of this amount, N$883 million is expected to be spent in the upcoming financial year, while the remaining N$517 million will be spent in the year ending June 2028 and beyond.

For land development projects, N$25 million has been allocated for Narraville Extension 11, while N$52 million has been earmarked for Narraville Extension 8. A further N$180 million has been set aside for the development of Farm 37.

In terms of other capital projects, infrastructure repair and replacement involves the tarring, resealing and rehabilitation of streets and intersections.

“Service delivery-related projects involve, amongst others, the implementation, upgrading and replacement of water and sewer infrastructure," Shozi noted.

Renovations of the Kuisebmond and Walvis Bay town halls are also planned.

Improved service delivery

Shozi said the capital expenditure budget for the replacement of vehicles, plant and machinery has been significantly influenced by the frequent breakdown of refuse collection trucks.

"This has had a direct impact on service delivery, particularly in the timely removal of refuse, an issue that has understandably caused frustration among our residents. Thus, council has acquired five new refuse trucks toward improving service delivery in this area.”

Additionally, the expected revenue and expenditure for the new financial year are estimated at N$690 million.

Approximately 70% of the total estimated revenue of the municipality is derived from utility services and related service charges, with primary contributions from water sales services, property rates and taxes, refuse removal services, and sanitation services.

“A tariff increase of 3% has been implemented for refuse removal and sanitation. No tariff increase has been proposed for rates and taxes and water sales," Shozi said.