The City of Windhoek has told prime minister Elijah Ngurare that it needs stronger support from the central government to address ageing infrastructure, housing pressures and public transport challenges.
The prime minister is visiting the municipality.
During a series of presentations on Monday, city officials outlined key development priorities requiring closer cooperation between the two spheres of government.
Acting strategic executive for infrastructure, water and technical services David Adams says replacing the city’s ageing water pipeline network, much of which is more than 35 years old, would cost about N$600 million.
“The deteriorating roads remain another major concern, with a 2023 assessment estimating N$15.4 billion is needed to rehabilitate and replace ageing road infrastructure after years of inadequate maintenance funding.
Strategic executive for urban and transport planning Pierre van Rensburg says expanding roads alone will not solve traffic congestion, stressing the need for sustainable public transport and investment in alternative transport systems as Windhoek continues to grow.
The city’s strategic executive for electricity, Obrien Hekandjo, says copper cable theft has cost the municipality about N$1.44 million over the past six months.
While the city police continue to arrest suspects, he says offenders often escape with fines, calling for tougher penalties to protect public infrastructure.
On housing, strategic executive Faniel Maanda says rapid urbanisation has placed increasing pressure on infrastructure originally designed for a much smaller population.
He calls for a coordinated national funding model and stronger collaboration between central and local governments to meet the city’s growing development needs.
Ngurare is expected to continue engagements with the municipality on Tuesday as departmental briefings conclude.
