OSHIKUKU - The Oshikuku Town Council this week tabled a budget of over N$34 million for the 2022/2023 financial year.
Of this amount, N$6 million was earmarked for capital projects that would transform Oshikuku into a town all can be proud of, according to mayor Julia Endjambi.
Endjambi said the budget was prepared with the town residents in mind. Therefore, it is meant to kick-start the process of addressing challenges the town has been facing for some time.
“This budget is dedicated to responding to the concerns of our residents. It is on that basis that council had allocated a total of N$13,3 million to capital development projects and compensation of crop field owners,” noted Endjambi.
She added that, among others, the following capital projects are earmarked for implementation in the upcoming financial year; animal impounding kraal (N$150 000), road maintenance (N$893 900), construction of stormwater channel (Oshikuku Proper) N$690 000, upgrading of the road to bitumen (Extension 2) N$3.5 million, construction of open market Phase 2 (N$300 000) and the purchasing of two submersible sewer pumps (N$152 500).
Endjambi noted that she has taken note of the slow rate at which the council has been implementing capital projects.
“I, therefore, urge you to ensure that this budget is implemented fully and timely, in order to address and respond to the concerns raised by our residents,” urged the mayor.
She further added that everyone is expected to take ownership of the budget, so that it is executed with the sole purpose to transform the town of Oshikuku in the interest of residents and investors.
Furthermore, with the limited resources at its disposal, the town has managed to implement some of the projects fully, others partially and some are still ongoing.
The mayor maintains that she was pleased to announce that, although the previous year has been challenging, the council has resolved to maintain a 0% increase on tariffs for the upcoming fiscal year on all services. This is to allow the residents and business community to continue paying for their municipal services. However, should NamWater adjust its charges, the unit cost for water may be adjusted at a rate of up to 5%.
This adjustment shall be properly communicated at such an opportune moment. The council is aware of the expectations from its residents and all stakeholders to provide effective, efficient and excellent services at all times, she said.
However, she admits that it is not always possible to meet all expectations at once.
Therefore, the budget will not meet all the resident’s expectations at once but they are committed to implementing it fully and continue to avail resources to address all other challenges encountered now and in future, she said.
- fhamalwa@nepc.com.na