Africa-Press – Namibia. The new Walvis Bay council is committed to rebuilding and addressing the town’s challenges in sanitation, housing and roads.
Acknowledging the hard work ahead, Walvis Bay mayor Johannes Shimbilinga (JS) and his team, backed by the administration, are paving a clear path to address the town’s challenges and growing demand for housing. Here, Eveline de Klerk (EDK) speaks to the mayor.
EDK: What is the vision of the new council, and how will it address residents’ needs?
JS: Our mandate is to serve the people of Walvis Bay. We are facing serious challenges, from dilapidated infrastructure to poor living conditions in some areas. Many roads and facilities need urgent attention.
Over the next five years, we will focus on improving service delivery, infrastructure development, economic growth and community engagement. We want to enhance the quality of life for all residents and govern with transparency, accountability and integrity.
EDK: What is the current state of infrastructure in Walvis Bay?
JS: Our infrastructure is ageing, and the council is aware of it. Roads, water and sewer systems are under pressure due to urban migration to the town. Due to migration, the demand for houses and services has also increased
Therefore, we have prioritised urgent interventions, especially in roads, sanitation and housing. While progress has been made, there is still a lot of work ahead of us.
EDK: What role can residents play in this regard?
JS: Residents must join us in rebuilding Walvis Bay. They must take pride in public infrastructure and stop vandalising facilities. Acts of destruction only delay progress, and money that could have been channelled to other projects is then used to replace vandalised infrastructure.
We also need a collective effort to address social ills such as poverty, crime and substance abuse. Development is everyone’s responsibility.
EDK: You have called for unity. Why is that important?
JS: Unity is key. Councillors must put aside differences and work towards common goals. We must respect opposing views and make decisions that benefit the town.
We also expect professionalism during Council proceedings and cooperation from management to ensure proper submissions for informed decision-making.
EDK: Can you update residents on road projects?
JS: Through a Memorandum of Understanding with the Road Fund Administration, several port-related roads are being rehabilitated.
Work on 3rd Street has been completed, and the road is open to traffic. The sewer replacement on 3rd Street East is also nearing completion. Allen Dean Martin Street has also been completed.
Railway Street is under construction and is expected to be finalised by March 2026.
Several intersections have been repaired, including Ben Amathila and Mulderene Street. Work is also ongoing at Ben Amathila and Johannes Nampala Street, as well as in the light industrial area on Hidipo Hamutenya Drive.
Interim maintenance has been done on Hanna Mupetami Road from Diaz Circle to the railway crossing.
Major projects are planned for Sam Nujoma Avenue, Independence Road, Nangolo Mbumba Drive and Nathaniel Maxuilili Avenue. Some designs are complete, while others are at the survey and inception stage.
EDK: What progress has been made on housing and land development?
JS: The Green Valley government housing project at Farm 37 delivered 233 houses valued at N$ 37 million, funded under the government’s NDP6 intervention. The project is complete, but internal services such as water and sewer are still being finalised. Phase 2 will roll out in Green Valley extensions 1 and 2.
In Narraville Extension 8, Phase 1 is nearing completion and Phase 2 will soon go out to tender.
EDK: Are there any other significant developments that were undertaken by the council?
JS: Yes. The Independence Beach Promenade upgrade, supported by the European Union and our sister city Czerwonack, is 97% complete and valued at about N$12 million.
Ekutu Open Market Phase 2 has been completed at a cost of N$3.3 million. Repairs and upgrades are also underway at Kuisebmond Community Hall, Narraville Club House, sports facilities and various ablution facilities.
We are also upgrading informal trading stalls and working on boundary walls at the cemetery and sports stadium in Narraville.
EDK: What is being done to improve waste management and sanitation?
JS: We are procuring two additional compactor trucks, skip loaders, scow-back containers and two tipper trucks to address cleanliness issues.
A Honey Sucker Truck has been awarded for Farm 37 and is expected by the end of March 2026. The government has also donated N$9 million for the landfill site’s fencing.
We are planning a new wastewater treatment plant. The replacement of the Pelican Street sewer line in Narraville is out for proposals.
The new sewer pump station in Kuisebmond Central is 25% complete and expected to be finalised by April 2027. A new bulk water pipeline from Mile 7 to Walvis Bay is also being designed to secure a long-term water supply.
EDK: What are your main priorities going forward?
JS: Our focus areas are clear: service delivery, infrastructure development, economic growth and community engagement.
We must tackle our challenges head-on and work with integrity and diligence. Together, we can build a cleaner, more united and prosperous Walvis Bay.
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