By Surihe Gaomas
WINDHOEK
After the successful completion of the first two cooperation agreements on development, the Mayor of the City of Windhoek, Matthew Shikongo, will lead a delegation to Vantaa, Finland, to sign a third agreement next month.
Since 2002, the two cities have been cooperating under the auspices of the North-South Local Government Cooperation Programme.
Through this joint venture the cities share experiences and knowledge in various developmental areas, namely: early childhood development, children and youth culture, community library, councillors development programme, small and medium enterprises and business development as well as cultural tourism.
“I will be leading a Windhoek delegation to Vantaa in September to renew the agreement in order to pave the way for the planning and commencement of the third cycle,” said Shikongo during the monthly council meeting on Wednesday.
The first cooperation agreement between the two cities was from 2002 to 2004, which was a huge success, and led to the second cycle of the programme from 2005 to 2007.
The second cycle ends next month, hence the need to seal the third agreement.
“We had wonderful discussions with my counterpart the Executive Mayor of Vantaa, Councillor Juhani Paajanen, when he visited Windhoek in May this year. During his visit the two city councils expressed willingness to renew the cooperation,” said Shikongo.
He said useful experiences were also gained over the past year.
“We find value in these partnerships and network as effective tools in addressing some common development challenges,” said the Mayor.
The objectives of the Windhoek-Vantaa cooperation are based on promoting good governance and local democracy, improving municipal public services, and supporting the City of Windhoek in the decentralisation process by strengthening its capacity.
Other objectives in the joint venture are to promote the use of information communication technology in municipal services and advancing cultural identity and multi-culturalism.
The City of Windhoek has also adopted this strategic approach of development by cooperating with sister cities and other development partners at various levels.