New mayor to take city to next level

NEW Windhoek Mayor Agnes Kafula has promised to take the city to the next level through the provision of drinking water, sanitation, electricity, housing and job creation.

Kafula, who succeeded Elaine Trepper on Monday, said this in her acceptance speech after the election of new office bearers of the City Council.’I accept the challenges and opportunities that this office and public service bring. I am honoured by your trust, and promise to do my best to be worthy of it. There is a lot of work to be done. I look forward to sharing it with our policymakers, with our able staff and with the people of Windhoek, all who care very much about what happens to our city,’ she said.Kafula said the City is mindful of the acute shortages of serviced land, and vowed to fast-track land delivery projects for residential and commercial development.The City will also increase its efforts to create a sustainable environment in the period when natural resources, in terms of water and electricity provision, will be under increasing strain.’We will intensify our programmes on solid waste management and clean city initiatives to ensure that we leave a sustainable legacy for future generations,’ Kafula said.She added that local government development requires transformational leadership which will not hesitate to make meaningful interventions in the fight against poverty, unemployment and under-development.Kafula then called on the people of Windhoek to contribute and be part of the City through appropriate forums and channels, such as community meetings.’We will further have to redouble our efforts to improve the quality of interaction with our residents and clients, whether it is at the call-centre or at council offices. We will do so, guided by the principles of accountability and good governance,’ she said.Both management and staff are aware of the fact that they will be held accountable for the quality of service they deliver, and this will be done in the context of fiscal responsibility and the high standards of prudent financial management, the mayor continued.- Nampa