Lahja Nashuuta

Urban development minister James Sankwasa has warned that Windhoek risks losing its N$750 million service delivery funds unless it tables a detailed implementation plan by the end of October. 

This threat was rejected by the City as unfounded.

Sankwasa made the pronouncement while responding to parliamentary questions from Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader McHenry Venaani regarding government’s decision to allocate millions to the City last week.

The minister warned that failure by the City to provide a detailed service delivery plan would result in the funds being reassigned to other local authorities that are performing.
“We will withdraw money from them and give it to local authorities that are ahead in delivering services,” Sankwasa said.

In response, the City of Windhoek rejected claims that it has failed to act, calling such allegations “baseless” and “without merit”. 

The City emphasised that, as of 30 May 2025, the N$750 million pledge remains intact, with no reductions confirmed.
“The City is fully committed to utilising these funds within all legal and governance frameworks, and in line with technical best practices,” the statement said, signed by City CEO Moses Matyayi.

Contrary to suggestions of non-responsiveness, the City highlighted its long-standing efforts to upgrade informal settlements, noting that these interventions predate the national initiative launched in March 2025.
“Council Resolutions 342/10/2020 and 220/10/2021 already established structured, phased approaches for housing and service delivery, which we began implementing in the 2021/22 financial year,” Matyayi said.

He outlined the City’s ongoing projects, emphasising a comprehensive approach that spans planning, municipal service design, construction and housing delivery.

Key areas of focus include Havana Extensions 12, 13 and 14, Otjomuise Extensions 8, 14 and 15, and Okuryangava Extension 5 – all of which are being fast-tracked to meet the City’s commitment to improving living conditions and upgrading informal settlements.

“These projects align closely with the broader national agenda, allowing for immediate execution in the 2025/26 financial year,” Matyayi added.

With regards to the minister’s concerns about City’s lack of collaboration and reporting, Matyayi maintained that the City has been actively engaging with the urban development ministry and other stakeholders. 

He said its technical team participates in monthly meetings, providing regular updates and reports. 

In addition, the most recent comprehensive report, submitted in August 2025, detailed progress on project schedules, financial estimates and implementation frameworks.

City concerns

While welcoming the funding pledge, the City of Windhoek raised serious concerns about some of the conditions attached to it. 

On procurement, the ministry’s requirement that the City be designated as a “public entity” under the Public Procurement Act, 2015, was described as both legally inappropriate and impractical.
“This condition is unfeasible and would contravene the legal framework governing municipal operations,” said Matyayi.

The City also flagged timeline constraints, noting that the proposed milestones do not align with statutory planning and procurement requirements under the Urban and Regional Planning Act, 2018, which mandate careful procedural adherence.
“Responsible implementation requires adherence to the law, and we cannot rush processes without compromising compliance or quality,” Matyayi stressed.

Despite these constraints, the City confirmed that projects continue to be implemented at the fastest legally permissible pace and expects to surpass expenditure levels of other local authorities.

Matyayi reaffirmed the City’s dedication to improving informal settlements and ensuring inclusive, sustainable urban development.
“We remain committed to being a sustainable and caring city, working in partnership with government and our communities. We call on all stakeholders, including the media, to engage with facts and support collaborative, solutions-driven approaches to urban development,” the statement reads.

 – lnashuuta@nepc.com.na