Windhoek mayor calls for funding amid informal settlements formalisation plan

Windhoek Mayor Ndeshihafela Larandja has called for a reliable and sustainable funding model to enable the city to meet its development priorities, including addressing housing shortages and improving infrastructure. Speaking at an ordinary council meeting on 8 May, she said: “Our delegation used the platform to highlight the need for a reliable funding model for the City, noting the City 's irregular funding despite generating significant government revenue.”This followed a meeting on 28 April with urban and rural development minister Sankwasa James Sankwasa, where key concerns such as the housing backlog, formalisation of informal settlements, and sustainable funding were discussed. The meeting aligns with the government’s recently announced plans to deliver 5000 new homes in Khomas by 2027, a commitment Larandja referenced as part of the broader need for coordinated action. Larandja also addressed local service delivery challenges and excellent waste management. “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 under way, involving immediate waste removal and public education to promote long-term accountability.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 the 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.Larandja also announced that the City will engage property owners on 13 May to address urban decay in the CBD, and government’s rejection of the Special Rating Area (SRA) regulation. “SRA’s or BID’s are proven, global tools for urban renewal,” she said.

Windhoek mayor calls for funding amid informal settlements formalisation plan

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-13

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Windhoek mayor calls for funding amid informal settlements formalisation plan

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-13

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