WALVIS BAY – The Walvis Bay municipal council says it will this year prioritise the provision of housing, economic development and improved serviced delivery.
The Tuesday council meeting, which was the first for the year, was held in the open, allowing a glimpse into the affairs of council to ordinary residents who also attended the meeting, which is usually held in municipal chambers.
Walvis By mayor Trevino Forbes during his address said they are fully committed to working closely with central government to find a long-term solution for the town’s housing dilemma.
The town had to deal with another fire incident after 27 homes were destroyed at Twaloloka last week, while flash floods also inundated the harbour town, resulting in the displacement of some residents.
“I am sure we are all aware of the fire that ravaged through the remaining part of what used to be Twaloloka. All remaining shacks were destroyed and the occupants had to be housed in tents on an open area close by,” said Forbes.
“Unfortunately, for as long as people are living in shacks, we should always be prepared for calamities such as these. Hence, this is another reason to focus our energy and resources to find a lasting solution to the lack of housing and making Walvis Bay shack free.”
He then added the current council is committed to restoring the dignity of residents. “It is a learning process that we all have embraced in terms of how we do things politically and administratively. We promise to be transparent, fair and not make commitments that we are unable to keep. We are aware that people are tired, people want answers and solutions, yet we ask the community to practise patience and allow for the development of strategic negotiations between council and the relevant stakeholders such as central government in order to bring about long-term solutions,” he said.
– edeklerk@nepc.com.na