Invitation for Development Proposals
The Municipal Council of Swakopmund hereby invites all interested parties to submit proposals for the purchase and development of Erven 266 A, B & C, Swakopmund, currently used as parking area and situated in the CBD south of the intersection of Tobias Hainyeko, Woermann and Hendrik Witbooi Streets. All interested parties are required to attend a compulsory site meeting in the Management Committee Room, Main Municipal Office Building on Monday, 12 November 2007 at 09:00, whereafter official proposal documents will be made available in terms of section 63 (2) of the Local Authorities Act 23 of 1992.
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Mondesa Play Park

Council recently invested a substantial amount of money for the upgrading of the Mondesa Play Park. This initiative by Council was taken against the backdrop of the increasing population in Mondesa and the lack of adequate recreation facilities for children. The park is equipped with a variety of play apparatus and has been beautified with the planting of palm trees and grass whilst ablution facilities are also catered for. This development has created a pleasant appearance and atmosphere in Mondesa and Swakopmund in general.

Council introduced the Public Private Partnership (PPP) concept to complement efforts of employment creation and poverty alleviation. To this end, community members were called upon by Council through public meetings to form groups consisting of men and women and members across the ethnic groups in Namibia and to tender for the maintenance and upkeep of the Mondesa Play Park. In total, eight groups remained after the pre-selection exercise – a draw was conducted and the “Agriculture Group” emerged successful.

The Agriculture Group will be in charge of the maintenance and upkeep of the play park for a period of three (3) years and will be remunerated at a rate of N$3,000.00 per month.

The play park has already become a beehive of activity for children especially during weekends.

Development of the Northern Beach Area

Council is soon to embark on a massive recreation development project for the Northern Beach Area, pending acceptance of the proposed development by the community. This project will greatly contribute towards the development goals of Swakopmund and act as a catalyst for the promotion of tourism. Swakopmund being the tourism hub of Namibia and a leading tourism attraction in the SADC region needed to invest in projects of this nature and magnitude. The facility will cater for the following:

• A formal touch rugby area
• Beach soccer
• Beach volleyball
• Amphitheatre
• A putt-putt course with a restaurant and parking area
• A well equipped fitness park

Community meetings will be held during November 2007 to gauge public opinion of Council’s ambitious development plan. The public is encouraged to attend public meetings scheduled for the following dates:

Date : Wednesday, 21 November 2007
Time : 18:00
Venue : Town Hall

Date : Thursday, 22 November 2007
Time : 18:00
Venue : Meduletu Hall

Date : Tuesday, 27 November 2007
Time : 18:00
Venue : Council Chambers

Council is considering approaching the private sector for assistance with the construction of the project. The project is scheduled for completion before the end of December 2008.

Cooperation Agreement with Okakarara Town Council

The Okakarara Town Council recently approached Council for a twinning agreement which, amongst others, covers the following areas: Promotion of Tourism, exchange experience in terms of Local Economic Development, Waste Management, Town Planning and Service Delivery. The agreement is aimed at improving service delivery to residents of both towns and capacity building of the two local authorities. In that respect Council resolved as follows:

(a) That all future applications be dealt with in detail and all possible costs involved be determined upfront.

(b) That Council in principle approve a cooperation agreement with the Okakarara Town Council in the following:

• Tourism Promotion
• Exchange Experiences in terms of Local Economic Development
• Human Resource Development (employee attachments)
• Waste Management
• Town Planning and Service Delivery.

(c) That a cooperation agreement be drawn up for signature between the two Local Authorities.

Land for a Primary School and Hostel, Youth & Community Centre, Computer Laboratory

The DRC Youth & Community Development Foundation applied for land at the informal settlement of DRC to build a Pre-Primary School, School Hostel, Community Centre, Computer Laboratory and a Play Ground for the youth. This is a very positive initiative from the applicant considering the rapid growth of children population in the DRC. In that respect Council resolved as follows:

(a) That the applicant be informed that in order for Council to consider the application they need to comply with the following conditions:

•That the organization must be registered as an NGO.
•That the DRC Committee be represented on the board.
•That they provide proof of registration with the Ministry of Education.
•That provision be made for one Councillor to represent Council on the board.
• That the applicant meets with the DRC Committee to discuss the details of the project.

 (b) That a hostel comprising permanent structures not be allowed to be erected on the site in the DRC as it is not formalized and the applicant be informed accordingly.

 (c) That subject to the Management Committee resolution of 13 September 2007 item 7.9, permission be granted to erect a school comprising pre-fabricated units subject to approved plans on the site in the DRC.

 (d) That the services and infrastructure to the site be the same as that permitted on the JCK property in DRC.

 (e) That the DRC Youth & Community Development Foundation be informed that they should approach the Ministry of Education for a portion of the Hanganeni School erf or the erf adjacent to the Hanganeni School (map on file) to erect the Hostel.

Application for lease of land – Mweb

MWEB applied for land to erect a mast to establish their new WIMAX Internet service in Swakopmund. Three alternative sites were provided by the applicant. MWEB is prepared to negotiate an agreement with the municipality for free Internet access at a mutually acceptable level and to provide Internet access for educational purposes at certain schools in the Swakopmund at discounted rates. The offer from MWEB will accelerate the advancement of computer technology and enhance information dissemination to the residents of Swakopmund. In that respect Council resolved as follows:

That permission be granted to MWEB Namibia to lease a portion of land at the Airport Reservoir to erect a 15m high mast and utilize a portion of the old pump house to accommodate their equipment for a WIMAX Internet service.

That a lease of 9 years and 11 months be entered into with MWEB Namibia in respect of the site.

That an annual rental fee of N$24 000.00 plus escalation of 10% per annum on 1 July every year be applicable; and further subject to the following conditions:

The applicant to provide all infrastructure for services to the premises for its own account and to the specifications of the Engineering Services Department and Erongo RED.

That the requirements regarding the lease of immovable property as prescribed in the Local Authorities Act 23 of 1992, be dealt with successfully.

That all costs related to this transaction (advertising- and any legal costs, etc. that may arise from this transaction) shall be borne by the applicant.

That the applicant shall indemnify Council and keep Council indemnified against any public claims/liability related to the use of the above area.

PROMOTIONAL DVD OF SWAKOPMUND

Council approved funding to the tune of N$150 000.00 for a promotional DVD of Swakopmund. Tenders will be invited from the public and businesses will be given an opportunity to contribute towards the manufacturing costs in return for inter alia advertising rights on the DVD.

SWAKOPMUND WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT

Council has received a new application from an investor who has negotiated with the Waterfront Property Company to take over certain of their properties and obligations. A draft agreement including amended plans was submitted to Council and conditionally approved pending final approval from Council’s legal representative.

APPLICATION TO PURCHASE LAND: MR E ANGULA: ERF 541 & A PORTION OF 624 TAMARISKIA

Council approved the alienation of Erf 541 Tamariskia and a Portion of Erf 624 Tamariskia to Mr E Angula at a selling price of N$20,75 per m² for the sole purpose of conducting a golf driving range.

PROPERTY POLICY: SALE OF LAND TO CHURCHES AND RECTORIES

The Property Policy with regard to churches and rectories was discussed by Council’s Management Committee who on 17 April 2007 resolved: Read More...

APPLICATION FOR LAND FOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

In view of the interest by private developers to obtain land from Council for the development of erven, Council on 28 September 2006 under item 11.1.10 resolved: Read More...

APPLICATION TO PURCHASE ERF 955 (A PORTION OF ERF 2747) SWAKOPMUND (FISH CLEANING AREA): UNIVERSITY OF NAMIBIA

An application to purchase the abovementioned property was received from The University of Namibia and submitted to Council who on 28 February 2007 resolved: Read More...

APPLICATION TO ESTABLISH A TELEPHONE EQUIPMENT ROOM FOR NAMIBIA POST AND TELECOM HOLDINGS LTD. IN EXTENSION 11, SWAKOPMUND

During August 2004 an application was received from Namibia Post and Telecom Holdings Ltd and submitted to Council who on 29 September 2004 resolved:

(a) That a public open space measuring 200m x 200m, 40 000m², in extent be created on the site as indicated on Annexure “D” on file.

(b) That Namibia Post and Telecom Holdings Ltd be informed that Council is not in favour of selling the property at this stage.

(c) That a lease of 9 years and 11 months be entered into with Namibia Post and Telecom Holdings Ltd in respect of a site measuring 30m x 35m, 1 050m² in extent, on a portion of the public open space.

(d) That the exact area be determined on site by the Town Engineer’s Department.

(e) That a rental fee of N$5.00/m² + VAT (1 050m² x N$5.00/m² per month = N$5 250.00 + 15% VAT = N$6 037.50), with an escalation of 10% per annum on 1 July every year be applicable; and further subject to the following conditions:

(i) The applicant to provide all infrastructures of services to the premises for its own account and to the specifications of the civil- and electrical engineers.

(ii) That the requirements regarding the lease of immovable property as prescribed in the Local Authorities Act 23 of 1992, be dealt with successfully.

(iii) That all costs related to this transaction (advertising- and any legal costs, etc. that may arise from this transaction) shall be borne by the applicant.

(iv) That the applicant shall indemnify Council and keep Council indemnified against any public claims/liability related to the use of the above area.

It is the policy of Namibia Post and Telecom Holdings Ltd not to install any infrastructure on property which does not belong to NPTH and therefore they never entered into a lease agreement with Council. The reason why Council at this stage cannot alienate the land to them was explained to them in a letter dated 14 January 2005. (Copy available on file). (Read the complete report)

RENOVATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE SWAKOPMUND JETTY – THE LIGHTHOUSE GROUP

On 30 March 2007 a report (copy available on file) was received from the Lighthouse Group in response to Council’s resolutions... (click here to read the complete report)

STREET NAME - VOGELSTRAND

Following the recommendation of Council on the Policy for New Street Names, residents along the nameless street in Vogelstrand came up with the following
appropriate names for this street (the street turns out of Sandpiper Road), as the other streets are also named after birds.

Three new names have been proposed, namely Goshawk, Drongo or Kestrel Street and the most popular being Goshawk. A Goshawk is a small bird of prey and is common along roads in arid areas.

At a Council Meeting held on Thursday 31 May 2007 the following was resolved:

That the name, Goshawk Street be approved for the nameless street in Vogelstrand, as proposed by the residents of the area.

ELECTION OF OFFICE BEARERS

On Wednesday 9 May 2007, at a Special Council Meeting In terms of Section 11 (2(c)) of the LA Act 23 of 1992, as amended, the following Councillors were elected to Office for the Municipality of Swakopmund:

OFFICE OF MAYOR

Councillor R //Hoabes was elected as Mayor.

OFFICE OF DEPUTY MAYOR

Councillor GN Shitaleni was elected as Deputy Mayor.

MEMBERS OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

(a) Councillor PD Rooi

(b) Councillor P Kavita

(c) Councillor T Shikongo

(d) Councillor J Ngolombe

CHAIRPERSON OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Councillor PD Rooi was elected as Chairperson of the Management Committee.

VICE-CHAIRPERSON OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Councillor J Ngolombe was elected as Vice-Chairperson of the Management Committee.

Budget Speech : 2007/2008

During the monthly Council Meeting held on 26 April 2007, the Chairperson of the Management Committee, Councillor PD Rooi delivered the following budget speech:
Click here to read the full speech
(right click and "Save As" to save document on your hard drive)

APPLICATION TO PURCHASE MAHETAGO COMMUNITY CENTRE AND A PORTION OF ERF 630 – COSDEF

The question was raised during the Management Committee Meeting of 15 March 2007, whether Council is entitled to have the Mahetago Centre managed by a non-governmental organization.

In a letter of NHE dated 5 August 1997, the then Manager Marketing Services, Mr James Short specifically outlines that Council should carry this responsibility initially and after a certain time the Community Centre can be run by a community based or by a non-governmental organisation.

On 26 April 2007 under item 11.1.1 Council resolved the following:

(a) That the Mahetago Community Centre be sold to COSDEF at the nominal price of N$10.00 on condition that it be utilised solely for community training programmes.

(b) That the SME area on Erf 632 be alienated at a nominal price, on condition that it be used solely for the purpose of erecting an SME Incubation Centre.

(c) That Council retains first right of refusal in the event that Messrs COSDEF decide to sell the property.

APPLICATION TO PURCHASE STREET PORTION C/O
THEO-BEN GURIRAB AND MOSES //GAROËB

Mr Rian Cloete has applied to purchase the piece of land on the corner of Theo-Ben Gurirab and Moses //Garoëb.

The street portion between Erf 3718 and the newly created erf will be retained, thereby ensuring access to Erf 3777 from Theo Ben Gurirab. The new erf will also benefit from this additional access.

The Manager Traffic has commented that it will be impossible to provide safe access to the new erf from Moses //Garoëb Street as the distance from the T- junction is too short. An exit from the new erf joining Moses //Garoëb could possibly be accommodated, however this is also not recommended.

At an Ordinary Council Meeting held on 29 March 2007, Council resolved as follows:

(a) That Council approves the application of Mr Rian Cloete on behalf of Bellissima Investments Fifty Five CC.

(b) That Council alienates a portion of land ± 6 874.53m² in extent, at a purchase price of ± N$1 718 632.50 (N$250 /m²) for the development of business/office space/shops/service station as per the plan (on file) subject to the following conditions:

(I) That the exact size of the erf may change subject to discussions to be held with the developer concerning the location of the Service Station access and the slipway from Theo-Ben Gurirab and Moses //Garoëb Street.
(II) That the developer may not erect permanent structures on the Northern boundary of the erf adjoining Erf 3777.
(III) That no access to the erf be provided from Moses //Garoëb due to the proximity to the T-Junction and the resulting safety concerns.
(IV) That the developer provides proof that a fuel supplier has committed to the project.
(V) That the proposed private transaction be advertised in terms of the Local Authorities Act, 1992, as amended.
(VI) That the applicant provides all infrastructures on his own account and to the specifications of the Engineering Department and Erongo RED.
(VII) That no development be permitted to commence until the statutory disciplines have been completed.
(VIII) That the applicant be responsible for the rezoning of the erf to “General Business”.

(c) That the following procedures also be applicable:

(i) Statutory disciplines be completed by the developer within 12 months from date of sale;
(ii) Completion of internal and external services within 24 months from date of sale;
(iii) Completion period for the whole development: 48 months from date of sale;
(iv) That the agreement of sale be concluded and signed within twelve months after this resolution is received by the applicant, failing which the resolution will lapse.
(v) Payment of a non-refundable deposit of 10% of the purchase price (+ VAT, if applicable) within 30 days of receipt of Council’s resolution approving the application to purchase and before any statutory actions are started with.
(vi) The balance of the purchase price to be secured by a bank guarantee payable on date of transfer.
(vii) Submit total layout plans, indicating the infrastructure, details of the project as well as the service demand for the intended project within 3 months of being notified of the approval of the application.

(d) That, should any upgrading of municipal services be required, it be for the account of the applicant.

(e) That the applicant indemnifies Council against any claims resulting from blasting.

(f) That the action referred to in (b) (iv), only be proceeded with once the deposit referred to in (b) (v), has been made.

(g) That all costs relating to the transfer of this erf, (including but not limited to transfer duty, conveyancer's costs, compilation of Agreement of Sale, as well as any legal or other costs that may arise from this application), be for the developers’ account.

(h) That any development of the erf be done in terms of the Town Planning Scheme.

(i) That the developers architect contacts the Planning Section of the Engineering Services to ensure that (h) above is complied with.

REPORT : LONG TERM PLAN MEETING HELD 9 FEBRUARY 2007

The Long Term Plan for the Municipality of Swakopmund was reviewed and approved by Council on 29 March 2007. The discussion points revolved around the following:

(a) That regarding the Current Position of the Railway Station, the Chief Executive Officer enters into negotiations with Transnamib to move the railway eastwards towards the airport as soon as possible, as Engineering Services are already busy with the planning of the Industrial Area.

(b) That regarding the area along the beach ~ Public Coastal Edge:

(i) An investigation be launched, with the involvement of the public at large, to determine what development would be the most suitable/appropriate in the area.
(ii) The Public Coastal Edge only be developed by Council for recreational purposes and no proposals for any development be called for by any private developer.

(c) That regarding the Swakop River Mouth & Adjacent Land:

The future of this area be determined after the finalization of the legal matter with Gull’s Cry or until the current lease period has ended in 2009.

(d) That regarding the Position of a Future Sewerage Works:

(i) An urgent investigation be started with a view of establishing a new site in the next 3 years in order to finalize the project in the next 5 years.
(ii) The position of the new site and sewerage system be investigated.

(e) That regarding the area between Kramersdorf, the Golf Course & Small Holdings:

The Swakop River Bridge Plan be revisited to establish if it is still applicable to the above guidelines.

(f) That regarding the proposed recreational area north of the current Refuse Site, a principle decision be made that this area/land primarily be utilized for motor sports related activities.

(g) That regarding parking in Town : Old Soccer field at Palm Beach:

(i) The area around Erf 245 and the old Putt-putt course be developed into a public parking area and a public park with street furniture (benches and tables).
(ii) That the possible development of erven 266A, 266B and 266C be investigated.

(h) That regarding the Desalination Plant & Water/Electricity (Biogas) Plan:

(i) That Council’s representatives on the Coastal Bulk Water Forum convey Council’s concerns with regard to the progress of the development of a desalination plant in terms of Namwater’s development plan for the Central Namib Area to Namwater.
(ii) That the feasibility of a bio-gas plant as proposed be investigated.

(i) General:

(i) That a date be determined for Councillors to conduct a site visit with regard to the matters discussed to familiarize themselves with the issues discussed.
(ii) That public meetings be held to inform the public at large of the intended Long Term Plan discussions for further input by the public before finalizing the Long Term Planning.

APPLICATION: LIVE IT: PROPOSAL FOR OUTDOOR FITNESS PARK

An application was received from Zoe Mitchell of “Live It” for the erection of removable structures on Municipal land of ±600-800m² (the exact area to be determined by the Engineering Department) near the skateboard ramp. The structures would be available to the public and in return they want permission to erect an advertising logo board 100cm x 50cm.

This matter was discussed at a Planning Forum who were of the opinion that this can only add value to the area with no obligation from Council.

At an Ordinary Council Meeting held on 29 March 2007, Council resolved as follows:

(a) That approval be granted to the LIVE IT HEALTH AND FITNESS CLUB to erect and maintain for their account an outdoor fitness park, ± 600 – 800m² (exact area to be determined by the Engineering Department), at the Skateboard area for a trial period of three months subject to the following conditions:

(i) the applicant shall indemnify and keep Council indemnified against possible claims, which may arise from the use of the area.
(ii) all structures to be erected for the fitness club be to the satisfaction of the Engineering and Health Services Departments.
(iii) no permanent structures may be erected on the site.
(iv) the site be available to the public at all times at no charge.
(v) the applicant confirm in writing that it will obtain no entitlement to compensation for the temporary improvements on the site.
(vi) the site not be reserved for the exclusive use of the applicant.

(b) That permission be granted to erect an advertising logo board 100cm x 150cm at and area approved by the Engineering Services Department.

(c) That the application be reviewed after three months taking into consideration any complaints or administrative problems which may have arisen in this period.

MONTHLY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE- AND COUNCIL MEETINGS FOR THE YEAR 2007

Council Meetings are scheduled to take place the last Thursday of every month and the Election of Office Bears once a year. The term of office stretches over a period of one year, with the following internal election conducted ….. “on a date within a period of 30 days before the date on which the period office of the Mayor or Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson of a Local Authority Council so elected expires”. (Refer to Section 11(2)(c) of the Local Authorities Act, Act 23 of 1992, as amended).

On 30 November 2006 Council approved the program for the Management Committee- and Council meetings for the period January until November 2007. The Election of Office Bearers of Council, chaired by the Local Magistrate, will be arranged to take place on Tuesday 08 May 2007.

Below is the program for 2007:

DECEMBER : RECESS