BERESEBA – Berseba Village Council CEO Ivan Vries says although the local authority is not in the desired financial position, it is doing everything possible to achieve its strategic goals.
Deliberating on projects completed during the current financial year, he mentioned the completion of the installation of four sewer pumps as part of upgrading the current sewer network at a cost of about N$1.2 million, consultancy services for cadastral land surveying as well as the land registration service of 1370 erven for N$1.3 million for the establishment of a new township, electricity connection of 12 houses for approximately N$200 000, the construction of 10 Build-Together houses for 10 beneficiaries for a budget of N$800 000, interlocking of a 300m road for N$800 000.
The council also bought a Toyota bakkie for N$680 000.
“Next will be the valuation of land (of ratable and non-ratable properties) in order to have a valuation roll for the purpose of selling land and properties and afterwards transferring them into the respective owners’ names,” he said.
Vries continued: “Council furthermore entered a twinning agreement with the City of Windhoek during 2022, which led to the donation of a refuse removal truck valued at N$133 1388 and a Nissan bakkie worth N$87 779 to be handed over on 9 May 2025.”
In terms of the ongoing Berseba water supply project, the CEO said an amount of N$190 0000 will be allocated for the drilling of boreholes and provision of water infrastructure as well as fencing it for security reasons.
“We are, however, now waiting for approval from the government to drill the boreholes, making Berseba village council a water supplier for its residents,” he said.
Other ongoing projects include the upgrading of the oxidation ponds and further road maintenance, while for the next financial year council will include the renovation of council flats, purchasing of an excavator, upgrading of the sports stadium, construction of three council houses and tarring of the 4km stretch gravel road between Berseba and Tses.
Turning to challenges experienced, he mentioned the high unemployment, limited economic stimulating activities, theft and vandalism of council properties, insufficient budgetary allocations and absence of a police station to curb crime.
“As a means of addressing unemployment, the council is making use of casuals for small projects and, in addition, taking in interns who are on job attachments as well, obliging contractors to make use of the local semi-skilled workforce,” he said.