PRESIDENTIAL VISIT
President Hifikepunye Pohamba recently paid a visit to the Council of Swakopmund to discuss matters of common interest. Council used the opportunity to brief His Excellency on its development programme and other challenges facing Council. The President’s visit came at the right time just after Council concluded deliberations on the town’s Long Term Strategic Plan. Council, amongst others, shared its concerns with regard to the legal functionalities of Erongo RED and Council’s wishes to withdraw from Erongo RED.
After the conclusion of formal discussions the President took a walk along the beach and was very impressed by the cleanliness of our beaches and expressed his support for Council’s position to keep the beach area open for the public and not to allow private developments on the beaches.
CRIME PREVENTION TIPS FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON
Effects of the festive season can already be felt with long queues being experienced at the banks and various retailer shops. The police in Erongo Region has issued safety tips to prevent the public from falling victim to different criminal activities. Read more...
CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR THE SENIOR CITIZENS
Council recently hosted the Annual Dinner for the elderly at the Vierkant Klip south of Swakopmund. This event has become one of the most popular events on Council’s calendar and is a sign of Council’s appreciation to the contribution made by our senior citizens over the years. Read more...
PROPERTY MANIA
Swakopmund is fast becoming a mosaic of exquisite properties apart from the already acquired status of being Namibia’s prime tourism hub. Going around the suburbs of Swakopmund one cannot help but notice some of the attractive architectural designs. Many Namibians and foreigners cannot wait to buy property in Swakopmund. Council is inundated with requests for land but unfortunately most of these requests cannot be met due to the unavailability of land coupled with the process for the proclamation of townships. The high demand for land has drastically increased property value which is still amongst the highest in Namibia.
Council has taken note of the high demand for land and the prices which have gone through the roof by adopting a policy which allows certain auctions to be reserved for first-property owners to acquire land. The economic stability of the town which is mainly reliant on the hospitality industry, mining and to a lesser extent small scale industries is seen as a catalyst for the property boom.
NEW OFFICE BEARERS - JUNIOR TOWN COUNCIL
The Junior Town Council (JTC) recently elected new office bearers for 2008/09. The JTC is an apolitical body of local youth and has been in existence for many years.
Election of JTC takes place every year during June/July. It is composed of sixteen (16) ‘councilors’ selected from all the secondary schools in town. Each school is expected to have four representatives on the JTC. The four representatives are selected by the School Principal in conjunction with his/her personnel looking at outstanding leadership qualities as a criterion. Eligible members are pupils who should have reached Grade 10 and their term of office should not exceeding two years.
This body is governed by a Constitution and is focusing, inter alia, on the following aims and objectives:
- Developing pupils with strong leadership qualities.
- Having pupils become accustomed to the procedures of meetings.
- Being a mouthpiece for the youth of Swakopmund and to act in the interest of the youth in order to afford the youth the opportunity of contributing to the working of the community.
- Endeavoring to enable the youth to increase and augment the welfare and prosperity of the local community.
- To create a liaison between the youth of Swakopmund and the Swakopmund Town Council.
The following office bearers were elected to collectively spearhead the activities of the JTC and to embark on various projects which are aimed at addressing the needs and aspirations of the youth: Lorenzo Hansen (Junior Mayor), Marlon Swarts (Junior Deputy Mayor), Ndamona Johannes (Junior Public Relation Officer), Natasha van Wyk (Secretary) and Tyran Olivier (Treasurer). Office bearers are assisted by 10 Ordinary Council Members with equal participation in the activities and programs of the JTC.
The JTC will organize the following events over the coming months and the youth is urged to participate and take full ownership of these events:
Main event: the annual Miss Palm Beach
Lang arm Dance for the elderly - once every year
Inter Soccer Tournament - every term of school
Hunger strike & food donation to the soup kitchen projects
Funds generated through these projects are ploughed back in the community through donations and charity work.
The Junior Mayor indicated that the JTC has the interest of the local youth at heart and thus requested the community of Swakopmund especially the business community to assist the JTC with any kind of donation in order to make a success of their efforts.
For donations and assistance please contact the Junior Mayor Lorenzo Hansen at 081 355 0744.
SWAKOPWOOD’ IN THE MAKING
The film industry has in recent years taken Swakopmund by storm much to the benefit of Swakopmund and its residents. Swakopmund is slowly becoming Africa’s Hollywood or ‘Swakopwood’ as others prefer to call it due to the booming film industry.
Swakopmund has become a centre of attraction for international TV and film productions due to its clean, serene, historical architecture and scenic environment. The Municipality is hard at work in promoting and marketing Swakopmund as the ideal film, tourism, recreational and business town in Namibia through the promotional DVD that will be released soon.
Over the past few years a number of high-profile films and documentaries such as Beyond the Borders, Generation Kill, Flight of the Phoenix, 1000BC, ‘Soko Leipzing-Lost in Africa’, Where Others Wavered focusing on Namibia’s struggle for independence and a dozen music videos where shot here. The booming film industry has provided a vital life-line for the residents in terms of employment creation and exposure.
The finances generated from location fees are also substantial which is about N$5 000.00 per day. Recently itv Productions which is currently shooting a series entitled The Prisoner paid about N$180 000.00 into municipal coffers for a 20 days shooting including other fees.
A number of world renowned actors such as Wesley Snipes, Angelina Jolie, Brat Pitt to mention just a few have been seen in Swakopmund.
SPORT CLUB VISITS KIMBERLEY
The Swakopmund Municipal Sport & Social Club participated in the Southern African Inter Municipal Games from the 21st till the 26th September 2008. Sixty seven (67) Municipalities from South Africa, Botswana, Swaziland and Namibia participated. Swakopmund Town Council participated in the following sport codes. – Netball, Soccer, Volleyball, Darts and Golf were represented. Our Netball team was the only team that remained unbeaten through out the games.
They played against Grootfontein, Quarter Finals against Sol Plaatje – Kimberley, Semi Finals against Makhando South Africa and finals against Walvis Bay Municipality.
Golf – settled for the 2nd place and received a silver – they lost against Ethekwini Municipality - Natal
Volleyball – Lost in quarter finals against Amanzintoti from Kwazulu Natal
Soccer – Lost in the quarter finals against Madibeng South Africa
Darts – Lost in quarter finals against Otjiwarongo Namibia
Congratulation to our Netball and Golf teams for keeping the Swakopmund flag high and securing the 1st and 2nd places respectively. The focus of this game is not much on winning but participation and establishing ties and that makes all the participants winners.
FIRE VICTIM RECEIVES DONATION
On Monday evening the 25th of August 2008, a fire at the shack of Mrs Tsabalala destroyed all her earthly possessions. She was living with her grandchildren and everything they had acquired over years of hard work was destroyed and burnt to ashes by the devastating fire.
The Langer Heinrich Uranium mine came to the rescue of Mrs Tsabalala with a generous donation consisting of three beds with mattresses and some daily necessities. Part of the donation came from local residents of Swakopmund who sympathized with the victim.
Meanwhile an incident took place in the DRC whereby some members of the community turned hostile and attacked the firemen who came to assist, with stones and other objects. One firemen suffered minor injuries in the process whilst damage of about N$7 000.00 was caused to the fire truck.
The community should note and appreciate the voluntary service offered by the firemen to the community and the fact that the municipality only has two full-time firemen whilst the rest are part-time firemen. To assemble the team may sometimes affect the response of the Fire Brigade to incidents reported.
It is however not the first time that firemen have had endure such treatment from the community therefore the community is urged to refrain from acts of violence as firemen are there to safe lives and properties. Make sure to phone the Fire Brigade at 0811285613 as soon as a fire breaks out.
New Municipal Office Complex
A historic ground breaking ceremony for the construction of the New Municipal Office was held on 18 July 2008.
The start of this construction project has been long overdue - over a decade since the Municipality identified the need for more space. The current setup became totally impractical seeing that the various sections are scattered all over town.
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Media Release: Drowning Incident
On Friday 13 June 2008 a tragic and very unfortunate incident occurred at the Sewage Works when two young children drowned in the Oxidation Ponds at the Sewage Works. It is with sorrow that we have learnt about the loss of 2 young lives at our Sewerage Plant, Rudi Klaase 5 and Dino Swartbooi 6.
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Sister Cities & Towns
The Municipality of Swakopmund has in recent years entered into twinning agreements with a number of towns and cities around the globe in order to share expertise on technology, culture, tourism, local economic development, waste management, town planning, service delivery, human resources development and information on other issues of common interest.
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COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR JULY 2008
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COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR JUNE 2008
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SHEBEEN POLICY FOR INFORMAL SETTLEMENTS
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Council Meeting Minute
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Monthly Management Committee- and Council Meetings for the year 2008
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Advertising Policy in the Newsletter.
Council has approved the bi-monthly publication of the Swakopmunder Lightbeams (the official municipal newsletter) which was previously published on a quarterly basis. The bi-monthly publication of the Swakopmunder Lightbeams will enhance Council’s public image and provide the public with more current and up to date information. The broader public now has the opportunity to advertise in the Swakopmunder Lightbeams at a nominal fee. Fees are subject to revision by Council after a trial period of six (6) months if they are found to be too exorbitant and unaffordable to the public. The following guidelines will apply to advertisements: Click here
ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR MARCH
Click here to see all announcements for March 2008
PROVISION OF MEDICAL FACILITY ON PORTION OF ERF 577, TAMARISKIA
Council approved the application of the Namibia Institute of Pathology (NIP) Ltd to purchase a portion of Erf 577, Tamariskia 1 000m ² in size with the aim to establish a medical laboratory complex.
The establishment of a medical laboratory on this particular erf ties in well with the Long Term Development Plan of Swakopmund and is in close proximity to other medical facilities in the area.
The land was offered at a reduced price, based on the following:
- That the reduced price be considered as Council’s contribution to the community of Swakopmund.
- It will be to the benefit of Swakopmund and the Erongo Region.
- It will improve medical facilities for all Namibians.
NEW ENTRANCE AND PARKING AREA FOR THE SWAKOPMUND TOWN HALL
Council during the consideration of the 2007/2008 Capital Budget approved the amount of N$500,000.00 for the creation of a new entrance and parking area for the Swakopmund Town Hall. About 166 parking bays will be catered for. The new entrance will make the Swakopmund Town Hall easily accessible from Fransisca van Neel Street. Due to limited funds the project will be executed in the following phases:
(i) The entire area be levelled and filled where needed.
(ii) Kerb stones be installed to direct traffic and to guide future development.
(iii) Some area lighting be installed to distract vandals and to make the area more secure.
(iv) Certain nodes be paved with interlocks as funds become available.
DONATIONS
Council approved the donation of N$1 000.00 to the Orison Educational Services for the hosting of the 3 rd National Mathematics Congress which is scheduled to take place on 20-23 April 2008 in Swakopmund.
In the Education and Training Sector Improvement Plan (ETSIP), mathematics has been identified as one of the key problem areas and the Ministry of Education plans to draw up a strategic plan to improve mathematics education at all levels. The National Mathematics Congress will provide a platform to disseminate information to teachers, but more importantly, to hear the teacher’s voices and give teachers the opportunity to make an input.
Council also approved the donation of N$1 500.00 to the children of the House of Safety. Funds will be used to buy gifts parcel containing school items, such as school bag, stationary and school cloths for the children. The House of Safety is in Tamariskia and is a shelter for vulnerable children of our community.
Gradual Phasing Out of Shacks
Council established the Working Group Committee on Shacks with the objective of developing policy guidelines for the gradual phasing out of shacks. The phasing out of shacks is a mammoth task which requires the acceptance and support of the community. The public will, in due course, be informed at a public meeting on the mandate and powers of this committee. The committee reported back to Council with the following proposals which were approved by Council: Read More...
TAMARISKIA BASKETBALL COURT
Basketball is one of the fastest growing sports in Swakopmund. As Council’s contribution towards the development of basketball and sports in general, Council approved the lease of the Tamariskia Basketball Court to Ocean Basketball Club. Ocean Basketball Club is the only active basketball club in Swakopmund and has participated in various national tournaments. The club is also involved in the development of basketball at various schools in Swakopmund.
The lease of the Tamariskia Basketball Court is governed by the following conditions:
That Council approves the request from Ocean Basketball Club to lease the Tamariskia Basketball Court erf 626T for the period of 9 years and 11 months at a nominal fee of N$10-00 per month plus VAT and will increase annually in July with 10% provided that the facilities remain accessible to the public.
That the lease be subjected to the following lease conditions:
That the lease be advertised in terms of Section 63(2) of the Local Authorities Act, Act 23 of 1992, as amended.
That no permanent structures be erected by the Lessee on site.
That the lease be terminable by either party giving or receiving 6 months notice.
That Council reserves the right to cancel the lease if valid objections from the public are received with regards to (i) above.
That the applicant indemnify and keep Council indemnified during the full period of the lease against possible claims which may arise from the use of the leased area.
That Ocean Basketball Club may sublet the property on written application to Council and any entrance fees charged must be approved by Council.
POLICE ACCOMMODATION
Council has approved the renovation of the Ekandjo Block and donation thereof to the Namibian Police. The property is in the former single quarters and consists of a number of flats which will be donated to the Namibian Police to alleviate the acute shortage of accommodation for the men and women in uniform. The donation of Ekandjo Block is in line with Council’s vision and long-term plan to eradicate crime in Swakopmund as more police members will be stationed in Swakopmund.
MAYOR’S SPEECH AT THE COUNCIL MEETING OF JANUARY 2008.
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Mayoral Report 2007
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Building Boom at the Coast
Swakopmund has realized a significant increase in building development during 2007.
Building plans for projects valued at 214 million were approved by Council over the past ten (10) months compared to 147 million over the same period during 2006.
Calculated at the same cost per m2 as 2006, this represents an increase of about 31%.
More applications are still being processed by Council and it confirms the upswing in the building industry at the coast
Development has taken a new direction with the development of industrial erven and smallholdings leading to major economic spin-offs for the community of Swakopmund in terms of socio-economic development and employment creation contributing to the realization of Vision 2030.
The Health Department has reported an increase of 15.5% in business registration for the period up to October 2007.
Furthermore Council’s own investment in infrastructure has seen large stretches of tar road being completed such as the portion of Daniel Kamho Ave from the traffic circle at the junction of Vrede Rede street up to the new traffic circle at the junction of Dr Schwietering street, Silver Lane in Tamariskia, Mandume Ya Ndemufayo street passing the Railway station, Aukas and Liberthine Amadhila Avenue in Kramersdorf.
More roads are to be tarred in the new financial year to spruce up the town even further.
Cell One and MTC are rapidly expanding their coverage in town and the suburbs with numerous towers being erected and MWEB also entering the market with their WiFi service.
A Go-Kart track is being developed near the airport and should be functional before the New Year.
It is evident that our town is becoming a business centre in addition to its current status of being the major tourism destination of Namibia.
Swimming Pool
Those of us who have become accustomed to the swimming pool and Strand Hotel on the beach will have to get used to something new in the New Year.
The swimming pool has been sold to the Lighthouse Group and the layout and appearance of the new building and the new swimming pool to be built between the new stadium and the Central sports fields has been approved by Council.
Construction should commence early in 2008 with the new Olympic sized swimming pool and then the commercial, office and residential units on the current site.
The Strand Hotel is also going to be substituted with an even bigger hotel and commercial space with construction starting before the middle of 2008.
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