By: Mathias Hangala
Local authorities have signed a cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening collaboration across various sectors to achieve shared development goals.
During a ceremony held in Windhoek on Monday, institutions including the City of Windhoek (CoW), Grootfontein Municipality, Usakos Town Council, Gochas Village Council, and Koës Village Council signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoU).
Speaking at the occasion, Windhoek Mayor Sakarias Uunona said the partnerships are not merely ceremonial, but serve as a roadmap for addressing common challenges and accelerating development. He noted that while each MoU is tailored to specific local needs, they are united by shared objectives.
These collective efforts are anchored on key priority pillars, including technical infrastructure and engineering, with a focus on professional exchange, town planning, and essential engineering services.
“Building human capital emphasises the people-centred side of governance through training programmes and enhanced professional development. Economic and community development aims to drive local prosperity and social well-being through economic initiatives, tourism promotion, and community-focused projects,” remarked Uunona.
He added that governance, policy, and legal frameworks will ensure stable and transparent administration through improved policy formulation and streamlined legal services.
“Resource and waste management will prioritise environmental sustainability and financial efficiency through improved waste management practices and oversight of municipal resources. Through shared aspirations and unified effort, we can foster prosperous societies,” Uunona said.
The mayor highlighted the renewals of partnerships with Usakos Town Council and Koës Village Council, while welcoming Grootfontein Municipality and Gochas Village Council as new partners.
According to him, these partnerships will help build resilient and adaptable local authorities capable of effectively serving their communities.
“The lessons we learn from one another will enable us to strengthen our institutions and better meet the needs of our people,” he stated, adding that the CoW stands ready to share expertise and best practices.
At same occasion, Grootfontein Mayor Moritz Gaingob, stressed that the agreements go beyond documentation and reflect a commitment to collaboration and improved service delivery.
“These memoranda are commitments to cooperation and, most importantly, to improving the lives of our communities. Development is not achieved in isolation, but through partnerships, shared knowledge, and collective action,” said Gaingob.
He added that the agreements present an opportunity to enhance institutional capacity, improve communication, strengthen community engagement, and accelerate economic and social development.
Gaingob also acknowledged the CoW’s leadership in promoting cooperative governance.
“Through this partnership, we reaffirm our commitment to transparency, accountability, and innovation in governance,” he concluded.
CoW Chief Executive Officer Moses Matyayi noted that although Windhoek is one of the largest cities in Africa – with about 500,000 residents, a budget of more than N$5 billion, and assets valued at nearly N$13 billion – it still views itself as a learning institution, open to both sharing and acquiring knowledge.
“We are ready to assist fellow local authorities across Namibia, not only through formal agreements, but as an open institution willing to support wherever possible, whether through expertise, equipment, or professional staff,” he assured.
Matyayi added that such partnerships play a crucial role in improving public perceptions of the sector and enhancing service delivery.
He also highlighted Windhoek’s tourism attractions, including the City Museum, as examples of local development milestones.
Koës Village Council chairperson Patricia Kooper described the agreement as intentional and full of potential, opening doors for collaboration in areas such as governance, infrastructure, financial management, human resources, and innovation.
“It sets the stage for dialogue, joint initiatives, and a shared vision for excellence in local governance. While we may be small, we have great potential. Through partnerships like this, we strengthen our capabilities, broaden our perspective, and multiply our impact,” she said.
“We believe that even a village can inspire a city. Together, we can create something great,” shared Kooper.
