Okahandja town is strategically situated and geographically favourable for industrial development and economic enhancement, as well as with its historical background that is ideal for the tourism sector.
The municipality’s strategic dream as a town is to have a prosperous and healthy community relationship.
It also aims to have a low unemployment rate, and to be the best place of choice to live in Namibia.
It also dreams of an industrial hub, where a lot of industries are established in the town.
Okahandja likewise strives to return to its former glory days of a beautiful, green and clean town.
A low crime rate is another vision they have.
Okahandja chief executive officer Alphons Tjitombo noted that the municipality’s strategic intent has been aligned with that of the NDP5 (National Development Plan 5) and the HPP (Harambee Prosperity Plan).
These pillars include economic growth, town infrastructure, service delivery, good governance, human capital development and stakeholder relations.
Among the projects that have been completed include a taxi rank, as well as road upgrades as funded through the Road Fund Administration (RFA) to the tune of N$13 million.
Other road infrastructures that have been completed are Voortrekker, Martin Neib, Samuel Maharero, Mose Tjitendero and Kahimemua.
Council also put aside N$1.02 million for the surveying and registration of Ekunde 4 and 5.
The other project is the construction of a fire station at a cost of N$4 million.
An amount of close to N$23 million is set aside for the construction of services at Ekunde 4 and 5, and the design work is completed.
There are plans for an annual Okahandja Tourism and Trade Expo, scheduled from 2-6 May 2023.
A total of close to N$70 000 goes for the rehabilitation of boreholes.
Planned projects include the SME market in town, with funding for materials valued at about N$163 000 from MTC, and the establishment of an open market (N$250,000.00)
Projects without funding include the N$2 million needed for the commissioning of a new landfill site, and the decommissioning of the old dumpsite.
The electrification of Ekunde 4&5 which needs N$10,7 million remains a challenge.
There is also a need for N$1 million for the construction of the Five Rand clinic.
Opportunities in Okahandja include the availability of residential and agricultural land.
There are plans to construct a private hospital and central medical stores.
The unavailability of serviced land and obsolete infrastructure and machinery continue to haunt the council.
The high unemployment rate and high influx of people from different towns and surrounding farms remain challenges.
Climate change also affected many surrounding farmers, and led to the closure of the Meatco plant, resulting in some job losses.
The high increase in the non-payment of accounts saw the municipality in excess of about N$200 million in respect of water consumption, rates, taxes, refuse removal and land sales.
Internal capacity for debt collection remains a big challenge.
Tjitombo announced that council has employed a debt collector to enforce the credit policy, and strengthen the collection and tracing of defaulters.
The debt collector will start work in mid-October 2022.
He thus urged consumers to make use of available alternatives of receiving monthly accounts, updated postal addresses, walk-in services, and payments through EFT and Pay Pulse.
The CEO furthermore promoted Okahandja as having a favourable business environment. Therefore, potential investors are welcomed and encouraged to invest in the Garden Town.
–anakale@nepc.com.na