Africa-Press – Namibia. Dalene Kooper
LÜDERITZ – Lüderitz mayor Brigitte Fredericks says although capital budget cuts from the central government have slowed down key development projects, the coastal town remains committed to delivering essential services and infrastructure.
Fredericks described Lüderitz as a town in a “blooming stage”, expressing optimism about its future growth trajectory.
“We are very positive about our town turning into a little Dubai,” she said, highlighting ongoing infrastructure expansion in town.
Speaking to New Era last week, Fredericks said that reduced funding has affected the pace of implementation of capital projects.
“As a town, it affects us because it slows down our implementation of capital projects. However, we are trying our best with what we have and are currently executing between 50% to 80% of our planned projects,” she said.
Despite the financial constraints, several key projects have been prioritised for the current financial year. These include the provision of engineering consultancy services for the construction of an additional water reservoir, as well as a feasibility study for a new wastewater treatment plant. The town council is also focusing on the rehabilitation of water infrastructure and repairs to mechanical equipment at the Lüderitz effluent treatment plant. Furthermore, planned interventions include the supply and delivery of electrical goods and the construction of municipal services in Nautilus Extension 4, a project seen as critical in addressing the town’s growing demand for serviced land. One of the mayor’s notable achievements is the continued servicing of land across various parts of the town.
According to Fredericks, it is important to tackle a housing backlog of nearly 6 000 residents currently on the waiting list.
“We have made significant progress, and the completion of municipal services in different areas of our town stands out as a success story,” she noted. In addition to infrastructure development, the municipality has also made strides in social housing.
Fredericks revealed that seven social houses were constructed last year, with construction of 15 ‘Build Together’ houses currently underway.
She called on investors to consider Lüderitz as a viable destination for investment, citing its growth potential and strategic development plans. “I would like to invite investors to come and invest in our town,” she said, adding that the local authority remains committed to fostering an enabling environment for economic development. Fredericks also expressed gratitude to the residents for entrusting the current leadership to serve them for the next five years, promising to upgrade the town. “We thank the people of Lüderitz for electing us to serve them. We are here to serve and take Lüderitz to the next level,” she said. She emphasised that the town’s development agenda is anchored on unity in diversity, natural resource beneficiation, and youth empowerment all aimed at achieving sustainable development for the community.
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