Niël Terblanché
Residents of Swakopmund will see an increase in service-related tariffs for the current fiscal year.
The chairperson of the town council’s management committee, Blasius Goraseb, presented the municipal budget for 2024–2025 at this week’s ordinary council meeting, detailing a five percent increase in tariffs.
Goraseb, however, reiterated that senior citizens residing in Swakopmund will be exempt from this increase.
The council also approved a capital budget of N$111 766 000 and a balanced operational budget of N$578 282 000 for the 2024–2025 financial year.
Goraseb, during his presentation of the budget, said that a significant portion of the budget will be allocated to investment projects initiated in previous fiscal periods.
“In this year’s budget, our priorities are designed with a clear focus on essential areas of expenditure crucial for Swakopmund’s development,” Goraseb said.
He pointed to key accomplishments and significant outcomes, including the successful implementation of strategic projects, improved infrastructure, and enhanced services, which all contributed to the overall success and development of Swakopmund.
“We are making headway on our mission of building a future town for all who live here. As passionate and patriotic Namibians, we want our country to succeed, and we know it can. We cheer on those struggling now for change, and we will work harder than ever to play whatever small but positive part we can play here to bring that change about,” he added.
Goraseb spoke about the vital role towns play in providing crucial touchpoints in people’s lives, fostering hope for the future.
He said that for many people in Swakopmund, as well as in wider Namibia, a better future comes from living in dignified conditions, which include housing, sanitation services, friendly neighbourhoods, clean streets, and safe public spaces.
“This budget is a demonstration of our commitment to the future of Swakopmund. By prioritising key areas, we are laying the groundwork for a thriving, resilient, and sustainable community,” he said.
Goraseb expressed gratitude to the Swakopmund municipality’s team of officials, led by Chief Executive Officer Alfeus Benjamin and his executive team of managers, for their admirable work.
He also thanked all law-abiding residents of Swakopmund who pay their rates and services, and he added that the Swakopmund Council is proud to deliver value for money and cost-competitive tariffs.
“The Swakopmund community can feel assured that public money is spent for the benefit of the public and that despite all our successes, we are still able to deliver these to our community more effectively than elsewhere in Namibia,” Goraseb said.
