Ondangwa mayor Paavo Amwele has revealed plans to retire from the mayoral office after the November regional and local authority elections.
His decision has made way for a new candidate among the seven elected Swapo councillors for the Ondangwa Town Council.
Amwele says his interest in local authority elections has waned after being at the helm of the town council for more than 10 years.
He says it is time for a younger, more energetic person to take over the reins.
“I have decided to step down on my own. I think it is enough and that I should give someone else the chance to continue where I left off.
“I have been a mayor for so many years, and it is now time for me to go home and spend more time with my family,” he told The Namibian yesterday.
Amwele said his love for politics, however, remains.
He boasted about initiating development at Ondangwa during his tenure, such as the construction of tarred roads and houses for residents.
He highlighted upgrading some informal settlements to formal areas, providing sewerage services, street lights and allocating land to low-income earners.
“I have really done a lot since I took over as mayor of Ondangwa. This town did not have connecting tarred roads and no street lights, and I made sure I bring such much-needed services to the people.
“Many residents where in dire need of land and I made sure people are allocated land to construct their houses on.
I did a lot together with my councillors and the entire staff of the town council.
“It might not be enough, but there’s definitely a difference,” he said.
Amwele said that he plans to spend more time with his family and look after his livestock.
“I’m old now, so I’m going home to spend time with my family and look after my goats and cattle.
I have a couple of businesses to run, but I want to give it over to the children to take care of as well.
I just want to rest and be with my family without having to run around and attend endless meetings.
“I also want to thank the people of Ondangwa and Swapo for giving me the opportunity to lead without any hindrances or disputes. I will forever be grateful for everything.”
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