Newly elected Oranjemund mayor Pankratius Kondjamba has urged councillors to prioritise service delivery, community development and unity as the town embarks on a new political term.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of the Oranjemund Town Council on Friday, Kondjamba said the council’s focus will be on housing, infrastructure development and environmental sustainability, while positioning Oranjemund as a hub for innovation, trade and economic growth.
The mayor said strengthening small and medium enterprises is central to the council’s vision for transforming livelihoods and stimulating local economic development.
“There is much to do and much to be achieved at Oranjemund. People are waiting for land and houses,” he said.
“We have to expand water and sewerage infrastructure. We have to draw new investment to the town. And help our people to become entrepreneurs.”
Kondjamba, from Swapo, was elected mayor, while McCrailly Walters of the Landless People’s Movement was elected deputy mayor.
Leopold Haihambo of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) was elected an ordinary member of the council.
Engelberth Jonathan of Swapo was elected chairperson of the management committee, with Kaarin Ashikoto and Roseline Carina Matthys, both of Swapo, and Elias Kasemba of the IPC elected as committee members.
The mayor called on councillors from different political parties to set aside political differences and work collectively towards shared development goals.
“The election campaign is now over. It is time for hard work. The electorate voted for us and put their trust in us to improve their livelihood and improve service delivery,” he said.
Kondjamba urged councillors to preserve the spirit of unity and close community relations that developed during Oranjemund’s years as a closed town under diamond mining before its proclamation in 2011.
He said maintaining that unity would be critical in driving inclusive development and ensuring the town’s continued progress.
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