Maria David
THE Ongwediva Town Council tabled its provisional budget of N$205.5 million for the financial year 2025/26 on Tuesday.
The budget is subject to approval by the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development.
Tabling the budget, Ongwediva Mayor Taarah Shalyefu said the budget will be funded through operational revenues with a budget of N$121.8 million, the sale of erven amounting to N$3 million, refunds amounting to N$3.2 million, and government subsidies amounting to N$8 million.
While committed to its development plans, Shalyefu acknowledged the impact of the pandemic and slow economic growth, also noting a significant increase in outstanding payments from debtors.
“For the fifth year running, tariffs will not be increased, although a potential water tariff adjustment may occur if NamWater raises its bulk water prices,” he said.
He added that their five-year Strategic Plan, annual work plans, National Development Plans, ministerial directives and, most importantly, input from all their critics and stakeholders—through the media, public meetings, and community engagements that the Office of the Mayor conducted between 2023 and 2025, as well as other means—has been used extensively to establish the most critical needs of the town, which have subsequently been prioritized as programs and projects in this budget.
“Your considered understanding and cooperation is therefore critical for the successful implementation of the budget for the financial year 2025/26,” he added.
He then reaffirmed Council’s commitment to efficiently and effectively implement its planned operational expenditure and developmental projects.
Shalyefu added the increased debtors’ balance of N$81,691,124 as of 30 April 2025, attributing it to the recent health and economic challenges.
He emphasised that the Council’s success critically depends on the commitment of its customers to diligently pay for services rendered.
Further, he indicated that the Council shall continue maintaining its remarkable position of paying its key service providers on time, including but not limited to Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater), NORED Electricity Limited, appointed contractors, and third-party creditors.
