WALVIS BAY – The Erongo Regional Council has tabled a N$182.8 million budget for the 2025/26 financial year, prioritising service delivery, operational efficiency, and development projects across the region.

Presenting the budget yesterday, Deputy Director of Finance Daphne Cloete said

N$95.9 million is earmarked for operations, while N$7 million is set aside for development projects. A further N$49.9 million for assessment rate funding, N$26.6 million for Wlotzkasbaken development projects, and N$3.6 million for rural development.

“Government subsidies remain the main source of income at N$59 million – an increase of 6.6% compared to last year. Other sources include settlement revenues (N$1.7 million), interest (N$1.2 million), property rentals and tender fees (N$1 million), as well as reserves of N$14.3 million,” she said.

Expenditure
Cloete said personal costs take the largest share at N$52.1 million, covering salaries (N$44.7 million), contributions to GIPF (N$5.2 million), and other conditions of service (N$2.1 million).

“Another N$32.6 million will go towards goods and services, including travel allowances (N$4.3 million), utilities (N$12.9 million), transport (N$3.2 million), maintenance (N$1.7 million), and security services,” she explained.

The council has also budgeted N$1 million for membership fees and subsidies, while N$10.2 million will be spent on capital assets such as vehicles, office equipment and furniture.

Development projects
A significant portion of the budget will be channelled into development, including assessment rate funding of N$49.9 million for projects such as water infrastructure at Tatamutsi and Uis (N$9.4 million), constituency development (N$8 million), a regional structure plan (N$5 million), the Ozondati pipeline construction (N$3.6 million), and bursary support for students (N$350 000).

Wlotzkasbaken development projects amount to N$26.6 million, earmarked for housing, service infrastructure, and township creation. Another N$7 million will fund service construction in Omatjete, Uis, Wlotzkasbaken, Otjimbingwe and Okombahe.

“Rural development will receive N$3.6 million, mainly for sanitation projects, housing under the Build Together programme, and the cash food-for-work scheme,” Cloete explained.

She said the 2025/26 budget was designed to ensure resources are directed to critical needs while improving infrastructure and community development.

-edeklerk@nepc.com.na