Walvis bay: Walvis Bay Mayor Johannes Shimbilinga has outlined the town's infrastructure and service delivery programme, reaffirming council's commitment to improving living conditions and addressing ageing municipal infrastructure. Speaking at the first ordinary council meeting for 2026 on Wednesday, Shimbilinga said the local authority remains focused on roads, housing, sanitation, and community facilities as part of its five-year development agenda.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Shimbilinga acknowledged challenges such as deteriorating roads, vandalism, and social ills, but assured residents that council is fully committed to enhancing the quality of life in Walvis Bay. Among the key developments highlighted were road rehabilitation projects implemented in partnership with the Roads Authority through a memorandum of understanding with the Road Fund Administration.
Shimbilinga reported that works on 3rd Street and Allen Dean Martin Street have been completed, while rehabilitation of Railway Street is underway and expected to be finalised by March 2026. 'Several intersections, including Ben Amathila and Johannes Nampala streets, are nearing completion, while interim maintenance has been completed on Hanna Mupetami Road,' the mayor noted.
Council has also prioritised the rehabilitation of major routes such as Sam Nujoma Avenue, Independence Road, Nangolo Mbumba Drive, and Nathaniel Maxuilili Avenue, with design and tender processes progressing. On housing, the mayor noted that 233 low-cost houses valued at N.dollars 37 million have been completed under the Green Valley government housing project aimed at easing congestion.
'Preparations are underway for phase two at Green Valley Extensions 1 and 2, while internal services are still being finalised.' Shimbilinga further highlighted progress on community infrastructure, including the Independence Beach Promenade, which is 97 percent complete, the completed Ekutu Open Market Phase Two, and ongoing repairs at community halls, sports facilities, and informal trading stalls.
In sanitation and waste management, council is advancing sewer upgrades, pump station construction, and plans for a new wastewater treatment facility. Additional waste collection vehicles and a honey sucker truck for Farm 37 are expected to be delivered by March 2026. The mayor urged councillors to work together in unity and called on residents to protect public infrastructure, stressing that vandalism hampers development.
'Our focus remains service delivery, economic growth, infrastructure development, and community engagement,' Shimbilinga said.