Niël Terblanché
Officials of the City of Windhoek (CoW) have been actively engaging in international trips that are proving to be highly beneficial for residents.
In a recent statement, the CoW highlighted the importance of these journeys, stressing how they serve as crucial platforms for benchmarking, fostering international relations, and identifying opportunities for urban development and service improvement.
An excellent example of the success derived from such international collaborations is the City of Windhoek’s partnership with the city of Bremen in Germany.
According to the statement, the venture, backed by a N$37 million grant from the European Union, has been instrumental in revolutionizing Windhoek’s approach to solid waste management.
The initiative aims not only to enhance the efficiency of waste management systems but also to elevate recycling rates within the city, marking a significant step towards environmental sustainability.
Further solidifying the benefits of this cooperation, the City of Windhoek has embarked on the construction of two buy-back centres, funded with N$5 million from the project’s budget.
According to the statement, these centres are expected to create numerous job opportunities for the residents, thereby contributing to the local economy and promoting community well-being.
The City of Windhoek acknowledged that while the tangible returns of such international trips and cooperations may not be immediately quantifiable, the long-term impact on governance improvement and the enhancement of service delivery is undeniable.
These efforts are a testament to the city’s commitment to adopting best practices from around the globe to foster growth and development.
In addition to the project with Bremen, the City of Windhoek has also entered into several cooperation agreements with other international cities and organizations.
These agreements are aimed at addressing various urban challenges, from infrastructure development to enhancing municipal service delivery and governance.
Through these partnerships, according to the statement, Windhoek is not only able to gain insights into effective urban management strategies but also attract foreign investment and technical expertise to support its developmental agenda.
The CoW assured residents that all travels undertaken by councillors and staff are official and strictly adhere to council-approved policies.
The city is committed to transparency while respecting confidentiality and restrictions related to sharing organisational information, particularly concerning remuneration.
By leveraging international cooperation and investing in projects that directly benefit its residents, Windhoek is setting a benchmark for municipal excellence in Namibia and beyond.
The city’s efforts to improve solid waste management through international collaboration not only enhance the quality of life for its inhabitants but also position Windhoek as a leader in sustainable urban development.
