Okahandja mayor reveals progress on multi-million dollar development projects
Bringing services closer to our people
Okahandja mayor Beatrice Kotungondo provided a detailed update on the progress of key development projects being carried out in the municipality last week.
Kotungondo said the strides made by the Okahandja Town Council in infrastructure, service delivery, and community development signal a significant shift for one of Namibia’s fastest-growing towns.
Addressing councillors, members of the media, and residents during a briefing, Kotungondo expressed pride in the projects nearing completion.
Among the highlights was the official opening of the Nau-Aib municipal office, which became fully functional on 1 October.
Kotungondo described the facility as a symbol of service delivery.
“Everything that is available at the office here in town will also be available at the office in Nau-Aib. This speaks directly to bringing services closer to our people,” she explained.
Fire station and safety preparedness
One of the town’s most critical developments is the construction of a new fire station, a project worth over N$7.2 million.
For years, Okahandja’s fire services operated out of a workshop, leaving the town vulnerable.
The new station is now 99% complete and is scheduled for inauguration next Friday.
Kotungondo said the facility will stand as a beacon of safety and preparedness, ensuring swift responses to emergencies.
Road infrastructure also featured prominently in the mayor’s briefing.
According to Kotungondo, the Extension 9 road upgrade from gravel to tar is 90% complete and expected to be finalised by October 2025.
The project, which forms part of a larger N$12 million investment into Okahandja’s road network, aims to improve mobility, enhance safety, and boost economic activity.
The mayor further revealed that since February, more than 1 812 potholes have been repaired across the town. Meanwhile, the council has sourced N$24 million for critical sewer pipe repairs, which are expected to commence soon.
Kotungondo acknowledged that the town’s existing sewerage and water infrastructure was initially designed to serve just 5 000 residents.
Today, Okahandja’s population has grown exponentially to an estimated 45 159 residents.
“That is why we always experience pipe burst problems,” she explained, noting the urgent need for infrastructure modernisation.
Playgrounds and community spaces
Emphasising the importance of children’s welfare, Kotungondo announced that playground projects across Okahandja are now 90% complete.
These recreational facilities, she said, reflect the council’s commitment to providing safe and nurturing spaces for the town’s youngest citizens.
The mayor also provided an update on efforts to upgrade informal settlements, specifically in Ekunde 1, 2, 3, and 6. The projects include demarcation, surveying, and land servicing, valued at N$24 million.
Current progress stands at Ekunde 1 (90%), Ekunde 2 (70%), Ekunde 3 (65%), and Ekunde 6 (95%).
Each block faces unique challenges, but Kotungondo stressed the council’s dedication to aligning layouts with broader development plans to ensure orderly urban growth.
Growth challenges and solutions
Okahandja’s rapid expansion has placed a strain on its infrastructure.
Initially designed for a population of 5 000, the town now houses nearly ten times that number.
Kotungondo explained that this mismatch has contributed to persistent challenges with water supply, sanitation, and land allocation.
She assured residents, however, that the council is prioritising upgrades to meet the demands of a modern and growing town.
The mayor credited the successes achieved so far to collaboration between leadership, council staff, and the community.
“These projects are a testimony of what we can achieve when we work together as leaders, community members, and stakeholders for the betterment of Okahandja,” Kotungondo said.
She concluded by extending gratitude to the council, the management team, and residents for their continued support and patience.
“Together, let us continue building a prosperous, safe, and vibrant Okahandja,” she urged.
Kotungondo said the strides made by the Okahandja Town Council in infrastructure, service delivery, and community development signal a significant shift for one of Namibia’s fastest-growing towns.
Addressing councillors, members of the media, and residents during a briefing, Kotungondo expressed pride in the projects nearing completion.
Among the highlights was the official opening of the Nau-Aib municipal office, which became fully functional on 1 October.
Kotungondo described the facility as a symbol of service delivery.
“Everything that is available at the office here in town will also be available at the office in Nau-Aib. This speaks directly to bringing services closer to our people,” she explained.
Fire station and safety preparedness
One of the town’s most critical developments is the construction of a new fire station, a project worth over N$7.2 million.
For years, Okahandja’s fire services operated out of a workshop, leaving the town vulnerable.
The new station is now 99% complete and is scheduled for inauguration next Friday.
Kotungondo said the facility will stand as a beacon of safety and preparedness, ensuring swift responses to emergencies.
Road infrastructure also featured prominently in the mayor’s briefing.
According to Kotungondo, the Extension 9 road upgrade from gravel to tar is 90% complete and expected to be finalised by October 2025.
The project, which forms part of a larger N$12 million investment into Okahandja’s road network, aims to improve mobility, enhance safety, and boost economic activity.
The mayor further revealed that since February, more than 1 812 potholes have been repaired across the town. Meanwhile, the council has sourced N$24 million for critical sewer pipe repairs, which are expected to commence soon.
Kotungondo acknowledged that the town’s existing sewerage and water infrastructure was initially designed to serve just 5 000 residents.
Today, Okahandja’s population has grown exponentially to an estimated 45 159 residents.
“That is why we always experience pipe burst problems,” she explained, noting the urgent need for infrastructure modernisation.
Playgrounds and community spaces
Emphasising the importance of children’s welfare, Kotungondo announced that playground projects across Okahandja are now 90% complete.
These recreational facilities, she said, reflect the council’s commitment to providing safe and nurturing spaces for the town’s youngest citizens.
The mayor also provided an update on efforts to upgrade informal settlements, specifically in Ekunde 1, 2, 3, and 6. The projects include demarcation, surveying, and land servicing, valued at N$24 million.
Current progress stands at Ekunde 1 (90%), Ekunde 2 (70%), Ekunde 3 (65%), and Ekunde 6 (95%).
Each block faces unique challenges, but Kotungondo stressed the council’s dedication to aligning layouts with broader development plans to ensure orderly urban growth.
Growth challenges and solutions
Okahandja’s rapid expansion has placed a strain on its infrastructure.
Initially designed for a population of 5 000, the town now houses nearly ten times that number.
Kotungondo explained that this mismatch has contributed to persistent challenges with water supply, sanitation, and land allocation.
She assured residents, however, that the council is prioritising upgrades to meet the demands of a modern and growing town.
The mayor credited the successes achieved so far to collaboration between leadership, council staff, and the community.
“These projects are a testimony of what we can achieve when we work together as leaders, community members, and stakeholders for the betterment of Okahandja,” Kotungondo said.
She concluded by extending gratitude to the council, the management team, and residents for their continued support and patience.
“Together, let us continue building a prosperous, safe, and vibrant Okahandja,” she urged.
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