Mariental: Newly elected Mariental Mayor, Ethel Isaacks, has pledged to prioritise equality and unity in the council, saying politics should not hinder the town's progress. The Swapo Party councillor told Nampa in an interview she is committed to serving all residents of Mariental regardless of political affiliation, stressing that cooperation within the council is key to the town's development.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Isaacks noted that her decision to run for mayor was driven by her belief in the town's potential and the resilience of its people. "I have seen both our challenges and our strengths, and I felt the call to step forward as a leader who serves with integrity, compassion and accountability," she said.

Isaacks further said during her tenure, the council will prioritise improved service delivery, local economic development, community safety and transparent governance. Meanwhile, the chairperson of the municipality's management committee, Hermanus Isaaks, said the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development has allocated N.dollars 75 million towards the formalisation and upgrading of informal settlements for the 2025/2026 financial year.

He said the seven-month implementation period has already commenced, with capital projects which started on 22 July 2025. "By 13 February 2026, we expect at least 60 per cent completion of the approved capital projects," he said. The projects include the servicing of 1,250 plots, infrastructure upgrades, construction of interlocking roads, and installation of essential services such as water, sewerage infrastructure and electricity in informal settlements.

Hermanus said the newly elected council's immediate focus is the successful delivery of the ministry-funded capital projects. "As the new council, our priority is to deliver these projects at the expected rate and ensure residents receive these essential services without delay," he said. The council also acknowledged the groundwork laid by the previous council, noting that a full assessment of unfunded, long-term legacy projects will be undertaken once current capital projects are completed.