Ongwediva: The Ongwediva Town Council has presented its provisional budget of N.dollars 205.5 million for the 2025/26 financial year, pending approval from the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development. Town Mayor Taarah Shalyefu presented the budget on Tuesday at the council chambers.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the budget will be funded through a combination of operational revenue, projected at N.dollars 121.8 million, the sale of erven amounting to N.dollars 3 million, refunds totaling N.dollars 3.2 million, and government subsidies amounting to N.dollars 8 million. While committed to the development plans, Shalyefu acknowledged the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and slow economic growth, also noting a significant increase in outstanding payments from debtors.
‘For the fifth year running, tariffs will not be increased, although a potential water tariff adjustment may occur if NamWater raises its bulk water prices,’ he said. He then reaffirmed council’s commitment to efficiently and effectively implement its planned operational expenditure and developmental projects.
Shalyefu noted the increased debtors balance of N.dollars 81 691 124 as of 30 April 2025, attributing it to recent health and economic challenges. He emphasised that the council’s success depends on the commitment of its customers to diligently pay for services rendered.
He further indicated that the council will continue to maintain its remarkable position of paying its key service providers on time including but not limited to NamWater, Nored, appointed contractors and third-party creditors.