08 December 2005 09:48

2005 Annual Mayoral Report

Please click here to view the Mayor's 2005 annual report.

31 October 2005 22:40

TOWN PLANNING PROJECT - STUDENTS

The Fachhochshule Kiel, the University of Applied Sciences in Kiel, Germany applied to Council for a Town Planning Project in Swakopmund to be executed by their students.
Council accepted the application for an area east of Kramersdorf for the compilation of a layout and urban design on condition that there are no cost implications for Council.

31 October 2005 22:40

LAYOUTS FOR BLOCK 57

Earlier in 2005 Council called for development proposals for the remaining block developments of Extension 5 north of Sam Nujoma Avenue at the entrance of town.
Messrs Atlantic Developers CC now submitted a final layout for approval to Council, this development will commence early in 2006.

31 October 2005 22:30

NEW TOWNSHIP LAYOUTS

In terms of Tender 48/2004 township layouts have been prepared for northern Vineta, Tamariskia, Mondesa and eastern Kramersdorf. This will enable Council to service and provide Erven to the public on an annual basis.

31 October 2005 22:00

NEW FIRE STATION

After Council's principle acceptance to exchange the current fire station for a new one more centrally located in Swakopmund architectural drawings were submitted to Council for approval.
The General Manager : Infrastructure, Water & Technical Services will now have to submit cost estimates for the construction thereof to Council and also indicate which part of the fire station is to be financed by the developer.

03 October 2005 23:10

NEW YEARS CONCERT IN SWAKOPMUND

F & H Promotions a Namibian based marketing and Events Company in conjunction with the Namibia Breweries Ltd approached Council to hold a music concert for the people in Swakopmund on 31 December 2005. Application was made for the Main stadium or the cricket fields, alternatively the Tamariskia Sports Field, reason being the venue is relatively central.
Admittedly this event will be loud however it is for a few hours on the night and will add to the festive atmosphere in town during this period.

The sound system they use is able to be set up in such a way as to direct the majority of the noise in the direction where it will cause the least disturbance.

Sufficient security will be provided, everyone will be searched for drugs and weapons and E-Med will be there for medical emergencies. Sufficient mobile toilets and rubbish bins will be provided and they undertake to abide by all the relevant Health and safety regulations.

Council approved the application of Messrs F & H Promotions on New Years Eve 2005, until 02:00 on New Years day 2006. They are only permitted to make use of pyrotechnics for a period of 90 minutes commencing at 23:00 on New Year's Eve. All cost related to the event will be for the account of the applicant.

03 October 2005 23:07

ALIENATION OF SWIMMING POOL

The applicant, in terms of Council resolution, held a Public Scoping exercise to gauge the support of this development proposal which includes the relocation of the Swimming Pool next to the proposed Indoor Sports Complex at the Central Sports Field.
The only concern was the price agreed upon for the erf of the Swimming Pool. After discussing the matter with the developers an increased offer to the value of N$ 6 200 000,00 was received for the property.

All in all, Council will be benefiting financially through the alienation of the Swimming Pool to the value of in excess of N$25 000 000,00, which includes price for property N$6,2 million, new Olympic Swimming Pool - N$14,8 million, Recreational facilities, that is Kiddies Pool, Playground, Protected Beach, Change Rooms and Life Guard facilities to the value of N$2,95 million.

Additionally, the current operational deficit of the Swimming Pool to the value of N$1 000 000,00 will be a matter of the past.

03 October 2005 23:00

APPLICATION FOR QUARRY RIGHTS

The application for quarry rights north of Swakopmund was advertised for objections in terms of the Act. The objections received were found not to be valid objections mainly being based on the fact that Council did not call for tenders for quarrying. However, Council is under no obligation to call for tenders on any matter if an entrepreneur takes his own initiative for development.
Quarry Ventures will be required to hold their promise to supply Council with quarried rock at prices substantially lower than those mined outside the borders of Swakopmund.

A % of the tonnage quarried will have to be paid into a rehabilitation fund which will ensure an adequate amount for rehabilitation. Any balance remaining after rehabilitation shall be paid to Quarry Ventures. The rights of the mining may not be ceded to a 3rd party without the written consent of Council.

03 October 2005 22:30

AUDIT REPORT 2003/2004

Council is proud to present a clean audit report for the Financial Year 2003/2004 as received from the office of the Auditor General. The report confirms the healthy financial situation of Council and furthermore that no irregularities have been detected in any financial or administrative dealings.
The full report (9MB) can be downloaded here .

12 August 2005 07:45

NEW TANNERY

The owner of the Tannery, Mr Shier, applied to establish a tannery on erf 631 in Mondesa. As the property is very close to residential areas, Council considered the erf unsuitable and resolved to rather advise Mr Shier to apply for a suitable property in the soon to developed area between the Airport and Neslon Mandela Avenue.

12 August 2005 07:35

APPROVAL OF DEVELOPMENT

Council received 3 applications for large developments within the Conservation Area. It is a requirement in terms of the Town Planning Scheme that Council approves the external appearance of these developments to ensure that they fit into existing town scope. Two of the 3 applications were approved, one subject to mine alterations whereas the third proposal will have to be resubmitted as is it is not in line with the Town Planning Scheme.
The first development situated in Theo-Ben Gurirab Avenue opposite the Swakopmund Hotel and Entertainment Centre. The second one in Strand Street, close to Ministry of Fisheries and the third development on the property on which currently the Tannery is situated.

12 August 2005 07:25

SHOPPING CENTRE IN MONDESA

The Woermann & Brock Group applied for a suitable piece of ground for the development of a shopping centre in Mondesa. After discussions with the representatives of the Woermann & Brock Group between the Mayor, Chairperson of Management Committee & the Chief Executive Officer, the matter was considered by Council, where after it was resolved:
(a) That Council alienates Erf 1040 Mondesa, by means of private transactions to the Woermann & Brock Group for the development of a Shopping centre;
(b) That the price of this erf be determined by calculating the average value by two sworn valuators on a business zoning;
(c) hat all costs related to this transaction, including statutory costs, be for the account of the applicant and;
(d) That any upgrading or additional services required for the development be for the account of the applicant.
(e) That sufficient parking for the public, as well as sufficient delivery and off-loading facilities be provided on the premises.

06 July 2005 00:20

SWAKOPMUND MEMORIAL PARK

During October 2003, Ms Erika Rusch and Mr Eckhart Mueller approached Council to consider upgrading the badly dilapidated old cemetery east of the Swakopmund Cemetery.
As the Cemetery contains many graves of Namibians out of the Colonial era a 100 years ago it was proposed to upgrade the old cemetery into a Memorial Park to commemorate those buried during the wars 1904 till 1907. The upgrading and establishment of a Memorial Park will coincide with the Centenary Memorial Celebrations of the Herero/Nama upraise of a 100 years ago.

Council during November 2003 considered the matter and supported the initiative positively and initiated the Memorial Park Committee.

The first priority was to establish the all-encompassing boundary for the current Swakopmund Cemetery and the Old Cemetery to be joined together.

The Memorial Park Committee places emphasis on involving the community in the upgrading of the old cemetery and this includes young artisans trained by NIMT to utilize this project as a job attachment opportunity as part of their training.

The public is now invited to come forward with proposals for the beautification of the graves, the cemetery and a monument to serve as a reminder of the past, based on the terms of reference, proposed by the Committee and adopted by Council in May 2005.

Details can be obtained from the office of the Chief Executive Officer.

05 July 2005 23:59

ERVEN TO 1st TIME PROPERTY OWNERS

Council has approved the sale of erven to first time property owners in a bid to assist first time property owners to obtain an erf a realistic price.
Notices for the pre-qualification and registration will be placed in the press soon and are also available on the web page.

Applicants will register to qualify as first time property owner where after the information will be scrutinized by the Surveyor-Generals office in Windhoek. All those qualifying will then participate in the auction for the sale of erven at a date and upset price still to be determined by Council.

Click here to read the Public Notice and here to download the Registration Form.
Click here for the General Conditions which apply.

05 July 2005 23:59

APPLICATION FOR LAND BY BLUE BOYS

Blue Boys Football Club was founded in 1958 and is the oldest existing soccer club in Swakopmund and has contributed immensely towards the development of soccer in our town. Some of the respected community leaders including the late Mr. Obadja Uushona alias “OB” and the former Mayor of Swakopmund the late Mr. Daniel Kamho, were amongst the pioneers of Blue Boys FC.
The applicant pointed out that potential sponsors have indicated that they will assist with funding if the club obtains land. They are aiming to further extend the services of upgrading and developing the youth of Swakopmund through sport and requests Council to avail land to them at a nominal fee similar to the arrangements made with Swakopmund Football Club in 1983 The facility will accommodate various field sports such as Volley Ball, Hockey, Rugby, etc.

Erf 630 Mondesa which is adjacent to the Mondesa Sport Field appears to be viable for this project since effluent water is available on this erf.

Click here to read the resolutions take by council in this matter.

05 July 2005 23:30

SWIMMING POOL DEVELOPMENT

The Lighthouse Group approached council with a new design proposal for the old Municipal Swimming Pool Complex. Based on the poor structural condition of the existing swimming pool as contained in a detail report by consulting engineers, the new proposal entails the construction of a new swimming pool at the Central Sports Fields. On the site of the existing swimming pool complex a development with public amenities, restaurants and shops, as well as flats will be developed.
The public garden between the Museum and the Swimming Pool Complex will be revamp to contain 3 kiddies pools, children’s’ play ground and lawns, which will all be maintained and supervised by the developer.

Click here to read the resolutions take by council in this matter.

06 June 2005 11:33

RENOVATION & REPAIR OF STEEL JETTY

Tenders closed on 18 February 2005 for the repair and renovations of Jetty. Council received 3 tenders with all together 12 different options ranging from just under N$2 million to N$9 million. Council elected to support the decision by the Local Tender Board to award the tender to the value of N$3,8 million for the repairs and renovations of the Jetty.
The first part of the Jetty that is up to column number 17 will be renovated by firstly grouting all the columns properly on to bed rock. Secondly, by replacing the existing steel beams with re-enforced concrete beams and a timber deck for pedestrians.

Work is anticipated to commence early June 2005.

06 June 2005 11:32

SUPPLY OF WATER TO THE DRC

Council resolved to outsource the supply of water to the residence of the DRC to Messrs Water Master Namibia, on the basis of Messrs Water Master Namibia installing all pre-paid water meters and to sell pre-paid water 7 days a week.
The venture will be managed under 70/30 profit sharing basis in favour of the Municipality.

06 June 2005 11:30

INDOOR SPORTS COMPLEX

For the purposes of managing the Indoor Sport Complex, the Inline Hockey Club have to draft a Trust document and a proper management plan which will guide the envisaged management body in the management of the Sports Complex.
Council resolved that in the interim it be represented by the GM : Community Services & Economic Dev, secundi Superintendent Economic Development. GM : Corporate Services, secundi Manager : Corporate Services and Councillor P Kavita, with secundi Councillor J Ngolombe.

06 June 2005 11:34

INTERNATIONAL FIRE FIGHTING

A Short Course on International Structural Fire Fighting for developing countries is offered under the auspices of the Malaysian technical co-operation program for Namibian Government officials. The Ministry of Regional Local Government & Housing invited the Municipal Council of Swakopmund to nominate a representative for this course.
Council nominated the Chief : Fire Brigade to attend the course.

30 April 2005 07:30

Annual Budget for 2005/2006

The Annual Running and Capital Budget for the financial year for 2005/2006 has been submitted to Council and unanimously accepted.

The total capital budget for new projects amounts to N$45 000 000,00 and while the current budget amounts to N$135 000 000,00. For further details see the budget speech attached hereto.

Please click here to open a copy of the Budget.

30 April 2005 07:30

Quarry Ventures: Trial Blasting

Since Council resolved to make available a suitable piece of ground for quarry activities, Messrs Quarry Ventures have met all conditions of Council and have now applied to carry out trial blasting to test the quality of the rock. This application was considered favourably.

30 April 2005 07:00

HAN:Appointment of Council Representative

On request of HAN Council appointed Clr PV Steinkopff on the Board of the Hospitality Association of Namibia, based on his experience in Tourism and Clr T Shikongo as secundi.

Furthermore the Town Health Officer will in future also attend HAN meetings when accommodation matters are discussed.

13 April 2005 21:00

Erongo RED

Information on the Erongo RED company formation process.

Please click here to read the March Flyer.

05 April 2005 21:41

Industrial Township

APPLICATION FOR PERMISSION TO ESTABLISH AN INDUSTRIAL TOWNSHIP WITHIN THE AREA OF ERF 4007, EXTENSION 10 SWAKOPMUND

Lately, Council was inundated for applications to purchase served industrial erven. In response thereto Council appointed Town Planning Consultants to submit a proposed layout for industrial erven between Nelson Mandela Avenue and Einstein Street leading to the Airport.

Please click here to read more and to see a map of the erven.

05 April 2005 22:11

Street Names

Following the recommendation to Council on the Policy for New Street Names all residents along the nameless streets in Hage Heights were approached in the meantime to come up with appropriate names for these streets in order to speed up the process of street naming for these particular streets.

Please click here to read more and to see a map of the streets.

05 April 2005 21:55

Indoor Sports Complex at Central Sport Field

During the February Council meeting Council resolved to alienate a piece of land of approximately 15 000m2 to the Inline Skating Club for the erection of their sports complex. Also that an evaluator be appointed to evaluate the property to be sold.
Messrs Ludwig Schröder a sworn valuator was requested to do an evaluation of the piece of land. Subsequently Council resolved to accept the evaluation of N$10,00/m² resulting in a total price of N$150 000,00 for the piece of land.

It was also resolved that the amount of N$150 000,00 be deducted from the indoor sports complex fund where after the balance remaining in that fund be donated to the trust which in total will serve as Council’s contribution to the Trust on behalf of the Swakopmund Community.

05 April 2005 21:47

Swakop Eden Community Centre Project

The Eden Community Centre Project applied to Council for a suitable piece of ground based on their business plan for the development of a community centre. The project was well received by Council and on 29 January 2004 Council, amongst others, resolved to approve in principal the alienation of a portion of land of about 5000m2 on either erf 138 or 630 Mondesa.
After Council’s reprioritisation of the 4-year and 12-year plan, the construction of a multi-purpose centre has been identified as the main priority. The Chief Executive Officer in preparation for the capital budget intends to make a sizeable amount available for the realisation of this project.

At the last Council meeting, Council resolved to jointly develop sports halls by contributing financially to the project based on a number of additional conditions to be met.

In line with the above, the question arises whether Council will not find it useful to support the Eden Community Project with the envisaged amount of finance to be provided for in the next budget. Advantages would be to eliminate duplication and by pooling resources together a better and stronger project can be realised especially seeing that the Eden Community Centre project has already done and completed most valuable ground work.

(a) Council resolved in principle considers making resources available and supports the Eden Community Project.

(a) Discussions be held between all Councillors, Heads of Department and representatives of the Eden Community Project, to agree on a preferred location for the community centre and the possible involvement of Council in this project.

02 March 2005 11:25

Letters of Appreciation received

(a)The Namibian Police wrote:
“This office would hereby like to express its thanks and gratitude to your office and the Swakopmund Municipality as a whole for your assistance to provide accommodation to our members during the past festive season.

We would also like to thank you for your close co-operation, successes as well as the photo’s given to our members as a taken of your appreciation.

In the same breath we would assure you that you can rely on our assistance if needed in the future.

The close co-operation with out members and the Traffic department ensures without doubt the positive results in reaching our goal and to ensure your coastal town is almost crime-free.

Thanks and know that all your efforts are appreciated.”

(b) The Hospitality Association of Namibia wrote:

“May we, the Chairman and Members of the Hospitality Association of Namibia (Coast) take this opportunity to thank the Municipality of Swakopmund for their extra input into keeping our Town and Beaches spic and span over the Festive season.

May we also extend our compliments for the speedy clean-up operation after the Miss Palm Beach competition.

We are most appreciative of these extra services and should appreciate you conveying our thanks to the Departments concerned.”and to the Traffic Department:

“The Chairman and Members of the Hospitality Association of Namibia (Coast) wish to extend their thanks and gratitude to your Department for the extra input in helping to keep our Town and area safe and crime free over the Festive Season.

We are most appreciative of these services and the input. Please convey our appreciation to all Traffic Officers.”

(c) The NBC wrote:

“We herewith wish to sincerely thank you and your team for the excellent services and reliable co-operation we received during our live broadcast from Swakopmund during the week 13 to 18 December 2004.

Your daily visits to our OB – Van to promote the town of Swakopmund were not only enjoyed by us, but also by our listeners. Our sincerely appreciation also goes to the Chief Traffic Officer, Mr Fanie Kruger, for the daily reports on the traffic situation in Swakopmund.

Due to the efficiency of your staff our broadcasts were extremely successful.

Wishing you and your staff a prosperous 2005.”

02 March 2005 11:25

Mayor to serve on Nat. Housing Adv. Comm.

The Minister of Regional and Local Government and Housing, Honourable J Kaapanda, invited the Mayor Councillor Rosina //Hoabes, to serve on the National Housing Advisory Committee for a period of three years as from 1 December 2004. Council unanimously supported this appointment.

02 March 2005 11:25

Indoor Sports Complex - Central Sport Field

The Inline Skating Club is in need of its own premises and has approached Council for a suitable piece of ground to erect a sports hall to meet their requirements. As Council also intended to construct an indoor sport hall, discussions were held between both parties to see if the interests of both parties could be met by participating in the same project. The Swakopmund Sports Committee representing a number of sport codes, Council and the Inline Skating Club reached an agreement whereby additional facilities will be provided.
The matter was submitted to Council for consideration and they resolved that:

(a)That Council sells a piece of land of approximately 15000m2 on Erf 2811 to the yet to be established Trust at a nominal fee being Council's contribution to the Indoor Sports Complex.

(b)That a valuator be appointed to determine the value of the property to be sold to the Trust.

(c)That the above value be deducted from Vote 2025 316 024 00, where after the balance remaining in that vote be donated to that trust which in total will serve as Council's contributions to the Trust on behalf of the Swakopmund community.

(d)That a proper Management Plan, ensuring accessibility and fair access to the Complex for all the sports codes and the general public andillustrating how the management of the Indoor Sports Complex will achieve this, be submitted to Council at an appropriate time.

(e)That Council, by virtue of its contribution, be represented (pro rata to its contribution) on the Board of Trustees under whose management and ownership the complex will resort.

(f) That the conditions which the above transaction will be subject to be confirmed after the Management Plan is available.

(g) That entire property be rezoned as "special" to accommodate the proposed restaurant and clubhouse.

02 March 2005 11:25

Development of Erven 101, 102 and 103

Council resolved to develop Erven 102 and 103 whereafter the erven will be made available at a public auction. The development of Erf 101 will be considered at a later stage.

02 March 2005 11:25

Alienation of erven in Ext. 9, Ocean View

Council intends to sell 150 single residential erven later in the year. Council will give preference to Namibian citizens who are first time home owners. First time home owners will have to register well in time so that their credentials can be verified in advance at the Office of the Surveyor General before qualifying to participate in the auction. Details will be made available in the press well ahead of time.

The auction will take place over 2 days, the first day being reserved for first time home owners, the second day of the auction will be open to the general public when erven will be sold in terms of the current policy.

At least 5% of the erven in Ocean View will be reserved for Municipal staff members.

02 March 2005 11:25

Erf 1344, No.3 Heuschneider Street

Council resolved to alienate the property by means of a public auction. The upset price was determined to be N$550 000.00. The property is zoned General Residential, which means that flats may be erected. Council intends to hold a public auction shortly. Notices to this effect will be placed in the press.

02 March 2005 11:25

Development of Undeveloped Erven

Council resolved to call for development proposals of Erf 579T, the vacant erf between the Sewerage Works and the Cottage Hospital, as well as development proposals for Blocks 55 and 56 at the entrance of town to the north of Sam Nujoma Avenue. Notices to this effect will be placed in the local press shortly.

02 March 2005 11:22

New Policy on Street Names

Council adopted a new policy for the naming of streets in new town extensions. The street names will be based on Namibian-related topics and the public will be invited to come forward with topical as well as street names for approval by Council.
Some streets in Hage Heights have no names and those will have to be named in line with the current topical theme.

Due to the previous renaming of streets where two streets became one street, e.g. Mittel and Molke streets where now two No.1 Tobias Hanyeko street exist, these streets will have to be renumbered so that no duplication occurs in future.

Council retains the prerogative to name some streets after public figures.

01 February 2005 09:30

Fire Brigade Tariffs

The need for new fire brigade tariffs have been identified after the insistence by the public for a permanent fire brigade in Swakopmund. A permanent fire brigade is however too costly and therefore a new system of levying tariffs to cover the running cost of the fire brigade was considered.
There are currently approx. 9000 municipal account holders in Swakopmund and if a fire brigade levy is to be added to the accounts it will ensure that the cost of providing fire fighting services to the community of Swakopmund is shared by all as it service provided to all.

It also happened on a regular basis that the fire brigade is called to assist at an emergency outside the municipal boundaries of Swakopmund; this is usually the case with serious vehicle accidents. The current tariff structure does not cater for this scenario with the result that the actual expenditure is such cases, exceeds the income if only current tariffs are levied.

Council resolved to levy N$2,00 per month per residential account, N$5,00 per month for small, N$ 10,00 for medium & N$15,00 per month for large businesses based on their annual turnover. For outside emergencies a kilometer tariff and an hourly tariff will be levied to the party assisted.

The levying of the new fire fighting service fees for residential and business account holders will be implemented after being advertised in the Government Gazette.

01 February 2005 09:00

Pizza Box and Bungalows at Restcamp

Formally known as the “Wurstbude” at the Municipal Restcamp, the business was in the hands of Messrs Woodman and Van der Ploeg. Towards the end of last year, Mr v/d Ploeg sold his share to his partner, Mr Woodman. Mr Woodman now being the sole proprietor applied to Council for the change of name from “Wurstbude” Bungalows to Pizza Box & Bungalows Restaurant.
All clients can expect the same goods service as before.

01 February 2005 08:33

Strand Hotel Developments

Please click here to read about the new Strand Hotel developments.

31 January 2005 13:21

Possible Cancellation Of Sale

It came to the notice of Council that churches either do not commence with building activities or do not continue with building activities after acquiring a church erf from Council at subsidized tariffs.
Potentially the erf remains undeveloped for years preventing any other interested party to make use of the erf.Council resolved to grant a final 6 month grace period to the Church of Namibia to submit building plans for approval together with a program indicating the completion period of such building. Failing to do so will result in sale transaction to be cancelled with immediate effect.

Council also resolved that the African Methodist Episcopal Church be invited to make arrangements for discussions for the completion of their development failing to do so will also result in the deed of sale be cancelled with immediate effect.

31 January 2005 10:12

Municipal Airfield To Be Upgraded

The Management of the Swakopmund Airfield underwent a change of ownership at the end of 2004. The new owner intents to upgrade the Swakopmund airfield by tarring the main runway and installing a system of runway approach and end lighting as well as side markers making use of an aircrafts own landing lights which would enable arriving and or departing aircraft to make use of the runway after dark.
The cost of upgrading is anticipated to be in excess of N$2 million. Under these circumstances the new owner applied to Council to consider granting him a new lease agreement on the same terms and conditions as contained in the existing agreement, but with a new period of duration of nine years and eleven months, commencing on 1 December 2004. Council supported the application.