Mayor of Swakopmund
Councillor Juuso Kambueshe was re-elected as the Mayor of Swakopmund during the annual internal office bearers’ election held on 11 November 2013. The re-election of Councillor Kambueshe as the Mayor is a clear sign of the confidence bestowed upon him by his fellow Councillors. The Mayor is the political head of the town and is directly responsible for the welfare of the residents of the town.
His Worship the Mayor of Swakopmund (Right) Councillor Juuso Kambueshe flanked by his Deputy Councillor Anthony Bessinger on the left
During his previous tenure of office, the town of Swakopmund successfully hosted the SAIMSA Games 2013 which attracted a large number of municipalities from all over the SADC region. The World Adventure Travel Summit which attracted the world’s tourism gurus was held this year in Swakopmund and the Mayor actively participated in the organisation and hosting of the world’s prestigious tourism event.
Under the able leadership of Councillor Juuso Kambueshe and his fellow Councillors, the formalisation of the DRC has started in earnest and real activities will soon be realised on the ground. Swakopmund being the administrative capital of the Erongo Region has been identified as the beneficiary of the national mass housing development project spearheaded by central government and soon millions of dollars will be pumped into the local economy through mass housing. Local building material suppliers, builders and brick makers are the primary beneficiaries of this financial injection whilst employment creation will be boasted.
Despite the hosting of world class events and mass housing development, Swakopmund under the reign of Mayor Juuso Kambueshe has witnessed service delivery protests which are common in a democratic dispensation. Tolerance of divergent views and the right to demonstrate are key aspects of democracy as enshrined in our republican constitution. The residents, in particular the voters have the right to demand better services from their elected leaders and that should be seen as a process of nurturing our young democracy.
The internal election saw the elevation of Councillor Anthony Bessinger to the position of the Deputy Mayor whilst Councillor Louise Tlhabanello-Madi became a member of the all-powerful Management Committee. Councillor Ferdinand Hamukwaya was elected as the additional member of the Management Committee succeeding Councillor Uahimisa Kaapehi.
The Management Committee remains under the stewardship of Alderwoman Rosina //Hoabes as the Chairperson, deputized by Councillor Rosalia Andreas-Noabes whilst Councillor Nehemiah Salomon and Councillor Louise Tlhabanello-Madi are ordinary members of the Management Committee.
SWAKOPMUND MUNICIPALITY IS A TORCH BEARER
The Swakopmund Municipality is proud of its record of being one of the torch bearers of sound administration and management. Increasing requests for assistance and visits are received from smaller local authorities around the country who wish to learn from our experiences and challenges.
The Municipal Council of Swakopmund has been in existence for 105 years and newly constituted Councils are finding it fit to tap from our experience. Local government is beset by all kinds of challenges. The dynamics of a local government changes from time to time and new mechanisms must be devised to respond to the challenges. Housing and the provision of services are some of the pressing aspects which local governments need to address.
Recently delegations from Eenhana and Helao Nafidi Town Councils paid a courtesy visits to Swakopmund to learn more on the operations of local governments. Apart from presentations made by heads of departments, the Councils also had the opportunity to learn from practical situations through visits and observations.
The delegations were impressed by the systems and procedures in place and efficient flow of documentation and information in the organization.
PROCEDURES FOR BOOKING OF HALLS, OPEN SPACES AND SPORTFIELDS
Bookings
· Client contacts booking officer to ascertain space availability at the following telephone number, 064-410 4606 or Cell 081 142 1392.
· Booking officer issues application form for payment at the cash hall.
· Client returns receipt(s) to booking officer.
· Booking entered on the spread sheet and receipt numbers recorded.
· Fully paid bookings coloured green.
· Deposit paid bookings coloured yellow.
· Client advised by booking officer on rental conditions.
· Any cancellation to be in writing or in person where the client signs for it.
Pre and Post Inspections
· Staff member meets client at the venue for pre-inspection of venue.
· Pre- inspection done and form signed by both parties and access granted.
· Post inspection done after each and every event.
· Client advised on the finding of inspection.
· Discrepancies/ breakages/ incidences recorded and post inspection form signed off by both parties.
· Facility locked by staff member.
· In case of damage, cost of damage communicated to client and settlement arranged.
· Copy of inspection sheet filed after each event.
Direct Deposit & Electronic Funds Transfers
· Client deposits or transfers correct amounts into municipal bank account
· Send proof of payment to the Sport and Recreational Officer via fax or e-mail or hand delivered
· Booking officer takes proof of payment to cashiers and obtain payment receipt(s)
· Booking confirmed and confirmation sent to client
Refundable Deposit
· Client returns original deposit receipt(s) to Sport and Recreational Officer.
· Pre / post inspection form attached to the refund application.
· Supervisor authorizes refund(s) and sends request(s) to Finance Department for payment
· Deposit paid out only when no item is missing / damaged and when inspection sheet is duly signed.
· In case of missing/ damaged items or facility not properly cleaned - Finance Department to be instructed accordingly by Community Development Services Department.
NEW SWIMMING POOL TO OPEN SOON
The construction of the new swimming pool in Welwitchia Street is complete and the facility will soon open for the public. The community of Swakopmund has been without a swimming pool for the past three years and the opening of the swimming pool will surely be welcomed by swimmers and the community in general. It has been a challenge for holiday makers to swim in the freezing cold Atlantic Ocean and with the opening of the swimming pool they can once again hone their swimming skills.
The closure and sale of the old swimming pool was received with mixed feelings and many doubted whether the new swimming pool will see the light of the day. The design of the swimming pool is eye-catching and has created a new skyline for the area.
The new facility was built to international standards and can accommodate international swimming events in the future.
The swimming pool is privately owned but will be open for the public. In terms of the agreement of sale the owner is obliged to keep the entrance fee affordable to all the members of the public.
The project was completed in less than 14 months.
A swimming pool is high maintenance with a low return on investment, however combined with office and state-of-the-art gymnasium, health facilities and other small market facilities it becomes a great source of attraction.
The location where the swimming pool is built is a conglomeration of sport facilities which includes sport fields and the indoor sport complex which is under construction.
INDONESIAN AMBASSADOR VISITS SWAKOPMUND
The Mayor of Swakopmund, Juuso Kambueshe and the Ambassador of Indonesia on his immediate left.
The ambassador of Indonesia, His Excellency Augustinus Sumartono paid a courtesy call to the office of the Mayor on 14 January 2013 to discuss bilateral issues. He was received by the Mayor, His Worship Juuso Kambueshe.
They exchanged ideas on how to improve the tourism, mining and agriculture sectors. The ambassador expressed gratitude towards the Mayor and the entire Council for maintaining good relations with Indonesia.
They agreed to pursue discussions on property development and architecture.
COURTESY VISIT BY MINISTER ROSALIA NGHINDINWA
The Minister of Gender and Child Welfare, Honourable Rosalia Nghindinwa paid a courtesy call to the office of the Mayor on 25 January 2013 to discuss issues of mutual concern. The minister was attending a strategic workshop presented by her ministry to report on the developments in the ministry and to chart the way forward.
She was received by the Deputy Mayor, Her Worship Louise Tlhabanello-Madi and the Vice Chairperson of Management Committee, Honourable Rosalia Andreas-Noabes. The discussions centred on women and child abuse and abuse of alcohol and drugs. The minister encouraged Council to motivate women to form women groups and bodies to address their plight.
It was the first visit of Minister Rosalia Nghindinwa to Council since she took over the reins at the Ministry of Gender and Child Welfare. |
