Oshakati acquires Oshandira Lodge

The Oshakati Town Council has purchased Oshandira Lodge for N$13 million.

The lodge will be managed by the council, said Oshakati mayor Leonard Hango during the council’s 2024/2025 budget presentation at the town on Friday.

He said the purchase of the lodge is one of the council’s biggest milestones, which has immensely increased its balance sheet.

The Oshakati Town Council’s total budget for the 2024/2025 financial year amounts to N$243,5 million, against a total estimated operating income of N$243,5 million and expenditure of N$243,5 million, giving a balanced budget with no deficit or surplus.

Hango said in terms of tariffs, the council has not increased rates for water in consideration of both local and global economic conditions.

“This year, our budget focuses on several key priorities that align with our long-term strategic goals. These priorities include economic development, infrastructure improvement, social services enhancement and environmental sustainability,” he said.

The biggest chunk of the council’s budget goes towards the formalisation of various informal settlements at Oshakati, he added.

The construction of bulk water services at Ompumbu will cost council N$7,6 million, road upgrades, including tarring the National Housing Enterprise roads, will cost N$9 million. The formalisation of Onawa will cost N$1,3 million, construction of storm water channels around town and road speed humps will cost N$1,7 million.

The designing and groundworks for an incinerator for the Othingo landfill site will cost N$500 000 and the construction of a sewer treatment plant for Oshakati will cost N$32 million.

“Hence, as we table this budget, I want to emphasise the importance of transparency, accountability and community involvement. We will ensure that every dollar is spent wisely and that the outcomes of our investments are regularly monitored and reported as usual. We encourage all citizens to remain engaged, provide feedback, and participate in the decision making processes that shape our town’s future,” he said.