Niël Terblanché
Swakopmund mayor, Blasius Goraseb, delivered his maiden address at the first town council meeting of 2025 on Thursday, pledging to lead with transparency, inclusivity, and a steadfast commitment to service delivery.
“It is an honour to stand before you today as the Mayor of Swakopmund. I extend my sincere gratitude to my fellow councillors for placing their confidence in me. I also wish to express my appreciation to my predecessor, Dina Namubes, whose leadership saw notable progress in economic development, infrastructure, and community engagement,” he said.
In his address, Goraseb pointed out key initiatives undertaken by the council at the start of the year, with a strong emphasis on education and community development.
Among the notable activities was a donation of 20 computers valued at N$275 057 and two printers worth N$25 300 from Langer Heinrich Uranium Mine to the Mondesa Community Library.
In the same vein, First National Bank contributed four laptops to the library.
“This is indeed a significant investment in education and the future of our youth. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our strategic partners who have made this possible,” he said.
Setting out his priorities for the year ahead, the mayor stressed the importance of urban farming in response to global and local food security challenges.
“Strengthening food security and supporting livelihoods is vital. We must work towards enhancing our town’s resilience to environmental challenges,” he noted.
Crime and safety also featured prominently in his address.
While acknowledging the existing efforts of law enforcement and the community in maintaining security, Goraseb called for intensified measures.
“There is always room for improvement, and we must ensure that Swakopmund remains a safe place for all,” he said.
According to Gotaseb, another key focus for his administration will be stakeholder engagement, a strategy he believes is central to the town’s progress.
Over the past few weeks, the mayor has met with various stakeholders, including the Erongo Regional Council, representatives from the mining sector, the Ministry of Health and Social Services, the hospitality industry leaders, and corporate entities.
“The primary objective of these consultations has been to explore collaborative opportunities, create smart partnerships, and align our collective efforts toward the sustainable development of Swakopmund. I am pleased to report that these discussions have been constructive and productive, laying a strong foundation for future collaboration,” he said.
He added that a comprehensive report detailing the outcomes of these engagements will be presented to the council in due course.
Goraseb reiterated his commitment to working closely with the national government, regional authorities, and international partners to advance Swakopmund’s development agenda.
“I urge my fellow councillors, municipal officials, and residents to work together in unity and purpose. Progress is only possible through collective effort, and I am confident that together, we can achieve great milestones in 2025,” he said.
