New Windhoek mayor trumpets service delivery 

New Windhoek mayor trumpets service delivery 

Andreas Thomas

The newly-elected mayor of Windhoek, Ndeshihafela Larandja, has promised to prioritise the provision of basic services, economic development as well as land and housing delivery.

The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) politician was elected as mayor on Tuesday.

The mayor reminded her fellow councillors that 2025 is significant, as it marks the midpoint in the implementation of the Windhoek Municipal Council Strategic Plan 2022-2027.

“I urge us, as office bearers, to pause and reflect upon the critical success factors that will enhance our collective effort in achieving the goals outlined in our strategic plan,” she said.

As a result, council must direct their focus to, among others, the provision of basic services and economic development.

Larandja further called on the council to promote stakeholder engagement for inclusive public participation and mobilise funding to ensure the financial stability of the city.

Meanwhile, Clemencia Hanases of the Popular Democratic Movement has been elected as deputy mayor of Windhoek.

In her acceptance statement, Hanases called for collaboration between the municipal councillors and the staff members of the Windhoek municipality.

The five members of the management committee are Fransina Kahungu of the Swapo Party, who received 11 votes, the same number of votes as Joseph Uapingene of the National Unity Democratic Organisation.
Illse Keister-Elago of the Affirmative Repositioning movement received 10 votes, and Jurgen Hecht of IPC also got 10 votes. 

The fifth member of the management committee is Bernadus Araeb of IPC, who received nine votes during the orderly elections in the council chamber.
Former mayor Queen Kamati failed to join the five-member management committee and only managed to secure four votes.

Windhoek Chief Executive Officer Moses Matyayi expressed his delight at the election of the office bearers, saying, “We are now back in business.”

Windhoek has been without a council since last December, when the political parties represented in the city council failed to elect new office bearers.
-Nampa