Taimi Haihambo
ONGWEDIVA – Ongwediva mayor Taarah Shalyefu this week delivered a comprehensive development report, highlighting key achievements made by the town council over the past four years and six months.
At the same time, he also shared a bold vision of what lies ahead.
“Despite financial constraints and national challenges, Ongwediva has pushed forward with visible development, community projects and a clear plan for the future,” Shalyefu said.
Ongwediva Town Council has invested heavily in roads, electricity, water systems and public safety. Key projects include the upgrading of Church Street (N$8.5 million), new stormwater systems (N$10 million), expanded electricity infrastructure and the installation of CCTV cameras and public lighting across town.
Modern parks, a Confederation of African Football-standard sports stadium and the phased expansion of recreational facilities have also been initiated to improve the quality of life.
Over 1 000 unemployed residents were engaged in temporary job programmes for town cleaning. SMEs received training in bookkeeping and marketing, while urban agriculture programmes gained support through funding from Ongwediva’s sister town, Lommel in Belgium.
The town also co-hosted national events like the Namibia Skills Competition and secured rights to host the Miss Namibia and Miss Teen 2025 pageants, further boosting local business and tourism.
Township expansion has been a top priority. Efidi extensions 2–6 were approved, with hundreds of erven allocated to the National Housing Enterprise, Shack Dwellers Federation and Build Together beneficiaries. Informal settlements like Onawa, Mandume, and Okandjengedi were also formalised with roads and water networks installed.
A total of 86 homes have been built in partnership with the Shack Dwellers Federation during the reporting period. Plans are also underway to develop 340 new erven in the Onawa Proper area.
While progress has been significant, Shalyefu pointed to challenges in land delivery, outdated wastewater infrastructure, and a rising municipal debt currently at over N$82 million.
He also called for urgent reforms to the public procurement system, which he described as “slow and restrictive”, limiting development momentum.
Still, Ongwediva is not slowing down. A five-year strategic plan is already in motion, guided by goals in infrastructure, governance, economic growth and environmental sustainability.
“We are building for the future,” said Shalyefu.