Erongo Regional Council unveils N$156.7 million budget

The Erongo Regional Council has announced its approved budget of N$156 712 479 for the 2024-2025 financial year.This figure includes an operational budget of N$81 620 040 aimed at addressing essential services and infrastructure needs across the region.During the official budget announcement, which took place in Swakopmund earlier this week, the council&#039;s deputy director of finance, Daphne Cloete, said the budget will focus on key areas such as sanitation, road development, support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), water supply and housing projects.Included in the budget, the council received a total of N$51 million for development programmes from various entities, including the Road Fund Administration (RFA), 5% from local authority levies, the medium term expenditure framework, as well as funds from the urban and rural development and agriculture ministries.Priority focus areasOver N$37 million has been set aside to address the region’s pressing water needs, while SME support was allocated over N$4 million.Sanitation and road infrastructure were each allocated N$2 million, while over N$1 million was allocated to address ongoing housing challenges in collaboration with the Build Together programme.A key project outlined in the budget is water infrastructure.The Wlotzkasbaken Water Reticulation project has been allocated N$19 million, representing 55% of the total project budget, while the Ozondati-Omatjete Pipeline project was allocated N$11 million, accounting for 32% of the project funding.Smaller initiatives, such as the Uis pipeline to the town&#039;s upper areas, was allocated N$ 3 million, while the Uis pipeline to Tatamutsi has been allocated N$1 million.Income and expenditureCloete highlighted challenges in revenue generation from settlement areas, specifically in Wlotzkasbaken, Okombahe and Otjimbingwe, where the council collected only N$952 674 against an estimated N$1 700 000. She said this shortfall is partly a result of infrastructure issues.“The high levels of alkalinity affecting our water systems have impacted our revenue expectations significantly,” she said.Council chairperson Benitha Imbamba emphasised the council’s commitment to transparency and accountability."We would openly like to be held accountable for the manner in which we dispense these hard-earned financial resources.”The budget allocates N$42 445 596 for human resource costs and lists 49 vacant positions within the council, with ongoing efforts to expedite hiring processes. Cloete explained that savings from unfilled positions contributed to the council&#039;s operational surplus in the previous year.“Filling these vacancies is a priority for us, as we strive to enhance service delivery and support our community effectively,” Cloete added.Regarding the council&#039;s operational expenditures, Cloete said: “We are committed to ensuring that every dollar spent contributes to the betterment of our services and infrastructure.”precious@erongo.com.na

Erongo Regional Council unveils N$156.7 million budget

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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Erongo Regional Council unveils N$156.7 million budget

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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