2008-06-20Staff Report 2 By Charles Tjatindi WALVIS BAY The Mayor of Walvis Bay, Uilika Nambahu, has praised her town council's recently tabled budget for the 2008/2009 financial year, noting that it was in line with the town council's vision of contributing positively to the general well-being of all its residents. Nambahu said the past few years have not been easy for Walvis Bay, particularly with regard to the decline of the fishing industry and loss of revenue from electricity sales - factors which contributed to a huge increase in the cost of living. As a result, Council's revenue base has also been negatively affected as the ability of residents to pay for services has diminished, Nambahu remarked. Through this budget, however, Council recognises these adverse influences and has therefore effected only moderate rates and tariff adjustments in view of the current economic environment, noted Nambahu. The Walvis Bay Mayor said although the average increase in rates and tariffs is still well short of actual inflation, it is a risk Council is prepared to take in order to secure that ordinary ratepayers are not affected too severely, because the majority simply cannot afford excessive increases in tariffs. ? 2008-06-20Staff Report 2
