WALVIS BAY – The Walvis Bay town council on Thursday tabled a N$609 million capital budget for the 2023/2024 financial year.
A total of N$312 million is anticipated to be spent during the coming financial year, while approximately N$296 million is allocated for projects extending beyond June 2025.
Chairperson of the management committee Richard Hoaeb highlighted that the budget focuses on land development projects, service delivery, infrastructure repair, vehicle replacements and social projects.
He emphasised the significance of land delivery projects as catalysts for economic growth and job creation, hence the allocation of a lion’s share to such projects.
“These projects play a crucial role in attracting investments and fostering prosperity within the region. The council currently has a list of ongoing land development projects aligned with their strategic objectives and public-private partnership initiatives,” he said.
Breaking down the budget, Hoaeb detailed that N$121 million is allocated to land development projects that will run over more than one financial year.
“At least N$18.5 million has been budgeted for the development of Farm 37, Portion 11 and a further N$10.5 million for the electrification of Portion 10. Both portions will yield 727 erven, of which 677 are for residential purposes.”
Hoaeb further said N$26.7 million is budgeted for the development of Narraville Extension 8, which will yield 81 erven, with 71 of them designated for residential purposes and N$11.5 million for the development of Extension 3 at Meersig.
Some N$11 million has been allocated towards service delivery-related projects, such as the implementation, upgrading and replacement of water and sewer infrastructure, as well as the planning and construction of a new wastewater treatment plant.
“We have also allocated N$16 million for infrastructure repair and replacement, including the tarring, resealing and rebuilding of streets and intersections. Our social projects have been allocated N$18 million, which will be used for the upgrading of Ekutu stalls, Narraville cemetery and the construction of a fire station at Farm 37,” added Hoaeb.
Furthermore, N$57 million has been allocated to vehicle replacements and additions.
The budget was presented by Hoaeb to Walvis Bay mayor Trevino Forbes. - edeklerk@nepc.com.na