Swakopmund Municipality

::NEWS ITEMS 2009

JUNIOR TOWN COUNCIL 2009
The Junior Town Council for the year 2009/2010 was inaugurated on 20 August 2009, at a function held in the Council Chambers. The Principal of Namib High School Mr Olivier opened the event with a prayer and motivational speech. The Mayor, Her Worship Councillor G N Shitaleni handed over certificates to the out-going Junior Council and congratulated them on their achievement s and hard work during their reign. Proud parents also attended the event and joyfully applauded when their children’s names where announced. The Executive Committee of the Junior Town Council for the year 2009/2010 are as follows: Blayne Bester (Junior Mayor), Lora Lee Beets (Deputy Mayor), Ailly Namupala (Public Relations Officer), Alaysha Beyleveld (Treasury) and Marilyn Swarts (Secretary).

The former Junior Mayor, Lorenzo Hansen presented a report at the inauguration about the activities of the Junior Town Council during the previous year. The outgoing Junior Mayor highlighted the achievements of his Council, amongst others; the Council successfully arranged the hunger strike, youth soccer, clean up campaign and a fundraising event. The Junior Town Council also assisted with the hosting of the lunch for the Senior citizens during December last year. He also encouraged the new Junior Town Council to maintain teamwork. He concluded by saying that for him, the abbreviation JTC stands for Joyful, Teamwork and Courage!
In his acceptance speech, the new Junior Town Council Mayor Blayne Bester thanked his fellow “Councilors” for electing him to the highest office and offered to continue where others have left off. After the formal introduction, Junior Town Councilors with their parents had some refreshments in the Council Chambers.

BY-LAW RELATING TO THE CONTROL AND KEEPING OF DOGS
Restriction on keeping of dogs

Unless the Council in any particular case determines otherwise, not more than four (4) dogs may be kept on any single erf irrespective as to whether such dogs have been licensed or not: provided that this provision shall not apply to -

a breeder;

the litter of a bitch when such a litter is younger than six months;
dogs kept in a veterinary surgeon's clinic for treatment; or
dogs kept on premises occupied by any Animal Welfare Society within the area of jurisdiction of the Council.

Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1), a person who keeps dog/s on the date of promulgation of this by-law shall be liable to pay the registration fees as prescribed by Council from time to time.
Dogs to be under control

No person shall allow any dog owned or kept by him to be at large in a public street or place other than the premises on which it is kept unless such dog is on a leash and under control.

Vicious, dangerous and stray dogs and bitches on heat

If a written complaint is made to the Chief Executive Officer that a dog:

is ferocious, vicious or dangerous or is a bitch on heat and is not kept under proper control;

is constituting a hazard to traffic along any public street or a source of danger or injury to any person outside the premises on which such dog is kept, or

strays beyond the boundaries of its owner's property or trespasses on any other property

The Chief Executive Officer may order such owner in writing to remove such dog from the municipal area of Swakopmund and the owner shall thus remove such dog within 96 hours from 12h00 noon on the day such order was served.

Dogs causing nuisance

No person shall allow any dog owned or kept by him to be a source of annoyance or discomfort or to create a disturbance or nuisance to the neighbours or to the neighbourhood by constant or excessive barking, howling or whining or to behave in any other manner so as to interfere materially with the ordinary comfort, convenience, peace or quiet of neighbours.

In the event of the Chief Executive Officer being of the opinion that a dog is a dog contemplated herein, he may cause a notice to be served on the owner of the dog requiring such owner to take such steps as will effectively abate such nuisance and to establish to the satisfaction of the Chief Executive Officer that such dog is being kept under proper control. In the event of an owner failing to comply with any requirement of such notice, the Chief Executive Officer may order such owner in writing to remove such dog from the municipal area of Swakopmund and the owner shall thus remove such dog within 96 hours from 12h00 noon on the day of serving of such notice.

Dogs not to be urged to attack

No person shall:

set any dog on any person or animal, or

permit or urge any dog owned or kept by him to attack, worry or terrify any person or animal except where necessary for the defense of such first-mentioned person or his property or that of any other person.

Impoundment of dogs

Any authorized official of the Council, a qualified Police Officer, a qualified SPCA official or any other person may take any dog which is at large and apparently ownerless to the pound where such dog shall be detained until the person claiming it produces to the Council or any authorized officer or any employee of the Council or an official of the SPCA a tax receipt in respect thereof and pays the pound fees fixed by the Council by special resolution.

In the event of any dog not being claimed by any person entitled to it within a period of 3 days from the posting of such notice on the Notice Board, the day of impoundment being the first day of notice or the day immediately following, Council may cause such dog to be sold in such manner as the Council may deem fit and if such dog is not sold, cause such dog to be destroyed.

The Council shall obtain from the SPCA a monthly register showing the date, on which any dog has been impounded, sold or destroyed and reimburse the SPCA for all dogs impounded and or euthanized or not collected or sold, and at a rate as decided by Council from time to time.

The Council shall not be liable for any damages, which the owner or any other person who is entitled to the dog, or any purchaser of such dog, may claim in respect of any action taken under this section.

Any person who forcibly or otherwise takes away or attempts to take away any dog being lawfully brought to the pound from the person or persons in whose charge it is or who frees or attempts to free any dog which has been lawfully impounded by the Council or any authorized officer or any employee of the Council, shall be guilty of an offence.

Offences and penalties

Any person who contravenes or fails to comply with any provision of this by-law or any order, direction, prohibition, condition, requirement or notice made, given, imposed or issued hereunder, shall be guilty of an offence.

Any person convicted of an offence under this by-law shall be liable to a fine not exceeding N$300.00 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding 6 months or, to such imprisonment without the option of a fine or, to both such fine and such imprisonment or, to both such fine and such imprisonment and, in the case of a continuing offence, to an additional fine not exceeding N$10.00 or additional imprisonment not exceeding 10 days or to such additional imprisonment without the option of a fine or to both such additional fine and imprisonment for each day on which such offence is continued.

SWAKOPMUND ON THE WORLD ICT MAP

A consortium of telecommunication companies from Namibia, South Africa, Angola, Congo (Brazzaville), Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Spain, Portugal and the United Kingdom have proposed to lay a fiber-optic cable of approximately 14 400 km along the southern coast of the Atlantic Ocean. The fiber-optic will run from branching units on the main trunk to landing sites in the host countries. The cable will enter Namibia at Swakopmund next to the Swimming Pool.

The system is beneficial to Namibia and other countries as it increases the overall capacity for transmission of telecommunications data in the countries along the Atlantic seaboard of Africa. The system will be operated as open-access and will provide an independent data connection for South Africa, Ghana and Nigeria and the first direct connection for Namibia, DRC and Togo. The project is intended to become operational in 2011.

The diameter of the cable would vary between 17 and 20 mm, approximately the diameter of a coin. In the marine environment, where water depth is deeper than 1500m, the cable is laid directly on the seabed. Where the seabed is soft, the cable will naturally sink and partially bury. Where water depths are less than 1500m the cable will be mechanically buried during installation. At the shore crossing, the cable will be buried and may be protected in conduit or articulated pipe to protect it from external damage caused by abrasion or contact. The installation of this cable will improve Internet and other telecommunications capabilities to and from the African continent.

NEW COAT OF ARMS FOR SWAKOPMUND
MARCHING WITH THE TIMES
Council recently approved a new Coat of Arms to replace the old one, which was approved in 1972. The symbols on the new Coat of Arm represent the following:

The Welwitschia mirabilis plant has only two leaves and can live for over a thousand years. It symbolizes gender equality and equality in general and the ability to survive and keep growing.
The Lighthouse is a well-known landmark in Swakopmund and serves to accentuate Swakopmund’s location on the Atlantic Ocean.
The Namibian National Flag of which the sun symbolizes life and energy. The colour gold represents warmth and the colour of our plains and the Namib Desert. Blue symbolizes the Namibian sky, the Atlantic Ocean, our marine resources and the importance of rain and water. Red represents the Namibian people, their heroism and their determination to build a future of equal opportunity for all. White refers to peace and unity whilst green symbolizes Namibia’s vegetation and agricultural resources.
The mediaeval building portrays the historical buildings, in Swakopmund and which form part of our joint heritage.

The motto - Providentiae Memor, freely translated means ‘be mindful of providence’
The new Coat of Arms has been approved by the National Heritage Council and shall systematically replace the old one on municipal documents and property.

Mayor’s Children Christmas Party

Children in Swakopmund to Experience the Joy of Christmas.

SIDEWALK PAVING PROGRAMME

For sometime now Council has embarked upon a very ambitious programme to maintain its status as the most beautiful town in Africa and second from non in the world. Swakopmund is known for its beauty, cleanliness, welcoming weather conditions, conducive business environment and an array of historical ties to the history of the world. Council has a sidewalk paving programme which the community and businesses can use to enhance the beauty of our town and that of their properties.

Quotations can be obtained from the Engineering Services Department for the laying of new sidewalks, the applicant only pays for the pavers and Council provides the kerbstones and labour. This programme is only applicable to new sidewalks since existing sidewalks are maintained by Council.

This programme is not only beneficial in terms of beautification but a plethora of other benefits can be accrued from this venture. As we all know, Swakopmund is known for its sandy terrain and wet weather conditions - homeowners and visitors often carry sand and stones with their shoes into their homes which resultantly damages floor tiles. Paving the sidewalk in front of your property add irrevocable value to your property. Residents are urged to participate in this programme to contribute toward the beauty of our town.

COUNCIL MOVES TO CURB IILEGAL BUILDING ACTIVITIES

Incidents of illegal building have increased in the Swakopmund Municipal Area. Some of the residents whether out of omission or commission just erect building or extend their properties without ensuring that their building plans are approved by Council. The building regulations, presently in force, stem from 1973 and have been found to be wanting and totally inadequate to address modern building disputes. Realizing the shortcoming Council drafted new building regulations, for implementation but it will take time before these are promulgated.

The Building Control Section has in the meantime unearthed a reasonable number of illegal building activities in the Swakopmund municipal area and this will be dealt with accordingly. Council exercise leniency in this regard, however it is to be noted that future transgressions will be dealt with strict control systems and heavy penalties to stop this unlawful practice will be enforced. The following penalties as defined below will be applicable:

Definition of Transgressions

Minor Transgression: Deviation from the original approved plan (making some minor adjustments to the approved plans), whereby the structure added does not exceeds 35% of the area of the approved plan, (This includes the boundary walls).
Medium Transgression: Addition of extra structures onto the approved plan, and whereby the structure added exceeds 35% of the area of the approved plan.
Major Transgression: Building of any structure without the approved plan and buildings over the building line without permission for the building line relaxation.

Applicable Penalties:

Minor transgression (Boundary walls) N$20/m per month.
Minor transgression (Building/Structures) N$20/m2 per month.
Medium transgression N$100/m-m2 per month.
Major transgression N$250/m-m2 per month.

Council would like to urge residents to refrain from illegal building activities and invites the community to visit the Building Control Section for enquiries should there be any further uncertainties. The purpose of controlling the building activities and enforcing regulation is to ensure the safety of the residents and the community at large.

LOW TARIFFS FOR PENSIONERS

Council has extended a helping hand to the senior citizens of our town by reducing their basic water tariffs charges. Most of the senior citizens of our town only survive on the social grant of N$450.00 from the Central Government. This grant is not enough to cater for most of their basic needs since our senior citizens takes care of their grandchildren some of them who are orphans. Council has realized the need of our senior citizens and has made provisions during the 2009/2010 Budget to assist them by decreasing their basic water tariff to N$25.00 only. Included in this basic tariff is 8 m³ water plus the meter rent, however the normal tariffs as per the budget will be applicable for consumption of more than 8m³ water per month. Council has proven that it really cares for the senior citizens by reducing their water tariffs in addition to the annual Christmas Dinner hosted for them during December each year.

To curb abuse, Council is requesting all senior citizens who qualify for this special tariff to submit proof of their age and ownership of the property where they reside to the Finance Department. The property should be in the name of the senior citizen in order to qualify.

It is hoped that other institutions and service providers will emulated the example set by Council and assist our senior citizens in anyway possible to alleviate their situations.

COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
FOR JUNE 2009

LONG TERM DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Council recently conducted a series of public meetings to share the Long Term Development Plan with the community and to solicit views and opinions from the public. This is in line with the doctrine of participatory democracy whereby the citizens should get involved in the affairs of Council and take ownership of the direction in which the town is moving. Public meetings continue to be poorly attended and as such citizens often miss out on vital information provided by Council. In particular the attendance of the meeting held at the Meduletu and Town Halls leaves much to be desired about the interest of our community in Council matters.

The Long Term Development Plan is a 12 year plan which mainly focus on township developments and industrial erven. Swakopmund is at a point where it should diversify it economy by incorporating aspects of industrial development and endeavor to sustain its traditional tourism industry.

Swakopmund Airport

The Swakopmund Airport will remain at its current locality for the next 12 years, however, a lot more activities are envisaged in that vicinity. These include the relocation of the railway station and the creation of an industrial area. The combination of the airport and the railway station in close proximity will not only increase the potential of this area and turn it into a fully-fledged industrial area but will also ease the logistics of our business persons expected to do business in that area. The fencing of the airport is also on the cards to ensure that our airport conform to international standards and therefore optimizes its utilization.

Swakop River Area

This area will solely be used for the hotel and lodge accommodation development which is ideal for this area. The size of erven will be determined by applications received from prospective developers. Council’s decision to keep the beaches available to the public still stands hence no applications for the privatization of beach areas will be entertained.

Smallholdings

Council is not keen to promote segregation or separate development thus smallholdings will remain as they are and will not be turned into townships.

Vehicular Recreation Area

Over the years the public has expressed the need to have an area designated for vehicular recreations. Council considered the need of the public and has therefore reserved this area for this purpose and the area is vast enough to accommodate go-carts, motor drag events and even horse rising. The reservation of this area for motor sports will ensure that sports with the same similarities are concentrated in the same area.

Heavy Industrial Area

The heavy industrial area will include manufactures of goods and light scale mining such as the quarry activities. This development is expected to boost the town’s self sustainability and create more employment to the local community. By engaging in heavy industries the community is expected to benefit from the skills transfer exercise from international companies which are expected to setup their manufacturing plants in the area.

The Long Term Development Plan was generally well accepted and supported by the public at large.

ILLEGAL ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS

Due to the acute shortage of accommodation and pressing economic needs, many home owners in the low income areas of Swakopmund have over the years resorted to constructing backyard shacks which are then rented out. The quest for survival through the renting of shacks often comes at a high price as thousands of dollars worth of property are lost as a result.

The Chief Fire Brigade, Mr Tony Moller, in an interview recently with the Swakopmund Lightbeams identified illegal electricity connections as a major cause of fires in Swakopmund. According to Mr Tony Moller about 80% of the fires that occurred were as a result of illegal electricity connections extended to shacks and adjacent properties. The Chief Fire Brigade Officer also pointed out that often it is found that too many appliances are connected to one electricity cable and thus exceeds the capacity of the cable. The amount of electricity being “drawn” and as a result heats up and starts burning. Always make sure that the capacity of your electricity in the house is enough to cater for all your electricity needs, if not, apply for an increase through Erongo RED, said Mr Tony Moller.

The Chief Fire Brigade Officer appealed to the community to always ensure that there is enough space between the buildings to allow firemen to move freely during emergency operations. He stated that at the moment some structures are built too close to each other and therefore hampers the operations of firemen.

Many residents have lost their earthly possessions and even loved once through fires and to address the matter Council has tasked an inter-departmental committee comprising of the Engineering and Community Development Services Departments to investigate and devise appropriate remedies for the situation. Whilst we are awaiting the recommendations of the inter-departmental committee which is expected soon, residents are urged to be extra cautious and to guard against illegal electricity connections. Homeowners are advised to discontinue this destructive act and instead contact the Engineering Services Department at 064-4104330 should a need arise to extent electricity connections to shacks or outer buildings.

COUNCIL DONATED BEDS AND MATTRASSESS

The vulnerable and most fortunate persons of our community continue to seek assistance from Council. Although Council cannot address the needs of everybody it is able to assist the few and welcome donations from other stakeholders to address the plight of the community.

Recently the Lager Heinrich Uranium mine donated beds and mattresses to Council which where in turn donated these beds to the needy of our community. Tears of Hope, an orphanage situated in Mondesa received a donation of ten mattresses, beds and blankets from Council. Tears of Hope has been in existence since 2002 and is caring for orphans, vulnerable children and people affected by HIV/Aids. Currently nine persons are accommodated by the facility.

Ms Naftaline Mauha the head of the orphanage expressed great appreciation with the donation and stated that the beds and mattresses will be used by orphans of whom the majority lost their parent due to HIV/Aids. Ms Mauha also received a box containing food stuff which was donated to Council by the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

A donation consisting of four beds and mattresses was given to Mr Gideon Kondjashili who recently lost all his belongings as a result of fire at his house. Mr Kondjashili on behalf of his family thanked Council for the timely donation. Companies and individuals who wish to donate can contact the Acting PRO Ms Annalize Swart at 064-4104327.

COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
FOR JANUARY 2009

Although Council was in recess for December/January the office of the Mayor had the following commitments during December 2008 and January 2009.