RUNDU – The mayor of Rundu, Andreas Jikerwa, has pledged to take the ‘River Town’ to new heights. He said his vision for Rundu is inclusive growth, sustainable development, and a vividly enhanced quality of life for residents.

“It is with immense gratitude and a profound sense of responsibility that I stand before you today to accept the honour of serving as your newly elected Mayor,’’ he said in his acceptance speech during the council’s swearing-in ceremony.

“The trust you have placed in me, through your votes and your unwavering support, is a mandate I do not take lightly. I pledge to dedicate myself wholeheartedly to the progress, prosperity and well-being of our beloved town,’’ he continued. The mayor noted that as he assumes the significant role, together with his fellow Councillors and dedicated Staff of Rundu Town Council, they will prioritise initiatives that will not only strengthen the town’s local economy, but also create new opportunities for youths, and ensure that every voice is heard in the decision-making process. “This team, infront of everyone, will strive for good governance efficiency, transparency, accountability and mainly focus on the core values of the Council. We will explore avenues for economic expansion, drawing inspiration from regions known for their natural beauty and cultural heritage, to potentially boost tourism and local businesses,’’ he said.

In addition, the mayor assured residents that the council will work tirelessly to improve the town’s infrastructure, from roads and public services to the essential sectors of education and healthcare and promote unity among the Council and all our stakeholders.

“Sustainability of service delivery will be a cornerstone of our policies, embracing practices that protect our environment for future generations.

We will seek innovative solutions that reduce waste in our town,’’ he shared. The chairperson of the management committee, Josef Kamakende, also assured the residents of better service delivery.

“Today marks not just a new chapter for some of us as individuals, but a key moment in shaping the future development and prosperity of our beloved Rundu,’’ Kamakende said, while noting that the new council is extremely aware of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

“And we are committed to working tirelessly to address them, always with the best interests of our residents at heart. Our collective vision is to foster a Rundu that is inclusive, sustainable, and thriving, where every resident has the chance to reach their full potential,’’ he said.

Kamakende lauded the democratic process that led to their elections, saying it is a testament to the strength and vitality of local governance. “The recent municipal elections, held on 26th November 2025, saw a significant turnout, reflecting the community’s active engagement and desire for development. We acknowledge the hard work of the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) in ensuring a free and fair election process,’’ he noted.

As elected representatives, Kamakende said their mandate is clear: to serve the people of Rundu with integrity, transparency and dedication.

“We understand that effective governance requires collaboration, not just amongst ourselves, but with all stakeholders, community leaders, businesses, civil society organisations and most importantly, the citizens we serve,’’ he said.

The new council aims to enhance the provision of essential services that have not been easy for their predecessors, including water, sanitation and electricity, which are fundamental      being of the community.