Justicia Shipena
The City of Windhoek held its last ordinary council meeting to closes off the 2022 calendar with mayor Sade Gawa!Nas taking stock of the achievements over the past year.
“We have come a long way and even though we still have room for improvement in terms of our financial standing, organisational culture, leadership effectiveness, processes and systems, do not be distracted or despondent,”Gawa!Nassaid.
The mayor revealed that there are many investment opportunities and stakeholders who are keen to partner up with the capital city.
She also commended the city’s employees for the work they have done during the challenging period of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“You are the unsung heroes and I extend my heartfelt appreciation, pride and respect to you all. Let us keep the team spirit alive and let us re-commit ourselves and maintain the momentum so that council delivers on its mandate,” she urged.
At its last meeting, the city council approved the introduction of zero waste to landfilling through the Windhoek-Bremen co-operation with European Union (EU) grant funding. The project is a network of 10 local authorities which have formed an advocacy group spearheading waste minimisation to landfilling. It includes nine other
Windhoek will join for a pilot period of two years, the council revealed. An annual membership fee of N$38 250 is required to join the network and this is to be funded through EU grant funding.
The council also approved a memorandum of agreement with Men on the Side of the Road (MSR) which commits the city council to provide office space to Men by the Side of the Road at the Soweto Market, in line with the Windhoek Economic Development Strategy (WEDS) for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME).
“Men by the Side of the Road is allocated an ad-hoc office space for one full day a week at the Small Business Information Centre at the Soweto Market. They have installed their own computer and have set up desk space for an administrative officer who is responsible for registering unemployed persons who intend to develop skills in anticipation to secure employment after learning a new skill,”Gawa!Nassaid.
In addition, the council approved an application from Cricket Namibia for the lease of portion A (western portion) of Erf 6352, Windhoek, for the development of a cricket field to host international cricket tournaments.
The portion will be leased to Cricket Namibia for 20 years at a monthly rental of N$13 340, according to the council.
“Subject that the rental escalate annually in line with the Namibian inflation rate, but not exceeding 10%.”
Gawa!Nasthanked the council for its “commitment, teamwork, patience, understanding, information-sharing, sacrifices, and engagements at various platforms.”
She said the past two years have been a steep learning curve for councillors.
“We can only build and improve upon the foundations already established. Be assured that Windhoek represents a beacon of hope and vast potential within the international arena,” she said.
Gawa!Nasstated that political leaders at times forget the amount of time and effort that goes into preparing items, implementing council resolutions, rendering support to councillors, ensuring successful events, providing information, and attending numerous meetings.
