Otjiwarongo: Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Evelyn !Nawases-Tayele, has launched several development projects aimed at upgrading the informal areas of Otjiwarongo, which are scheduled for completion in 2026.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the projects were introduced at a ground-breaking ceremony and are supported by a budget of more than N.dollars 53 million. The funding is a collaborative effort involving the government, the Road Fund Administration (RFA), the Otjozondjupa Regional Council, and the Otjiwarongo Municipality.
The development plans include the construction of bulk water infrastructure, prepaid water meter installations, a sewage network, a new 1.8-kilometre tarred road, and a recreational community park near Karundu Junior Secondary School in Orwetoveni. !Nawases-Tayele emphasized the importance of these projects for the informal areas of Ombili, DRC, Telecom, and Tsaraxa-Aibes, which often face population pressure and lag behind affluent areas in terms of development.
Outgoing Otjiwarongo Mayor, Gottlieb Shivute, highlighted the positive impact these projects will have on the lives, safety, and dignity of the residents. He noted that the new tarred road is set to cost about N.dollars 16 million, while the bulk sewer network will require N.dollars 17.5 million.
The government will also acquire and install 1,200 prepaid water meters at a cost of over N.dollars 8 million through its informal settlement upgrading program. Additionally, the medium-term expenditure framework program will ensure clean drinking water supply to the informal settlements at a cost of over N.dollars 14 million. The Otjiwarongo Municipality plans to replace an old water tower with a new one costing N.dollars 1.67 million.
The community park development on Erf 4072 in Orwetoveni, funded by the Otjiwarongo Constituency office, is part of legacy projects from the previous councillor, with a budget of N.dollars 200,000.
Otjiwarongo Municipality Chief Executive Officer, Mberipura Hifitikeko, affirmed that these projects are expected to be completed within the next six months.