Khomas council pumps millions into water, sanitation and education
The Khomas Regional Council has allocated over N$2.5 million for water intervention projects in the 2025/26 financial year, with the water affairs ministry contributing an additional N$1.2 million.Speaking at the official opening of the Khomas Regional Council in Windhoek, chairperson Stefanus Ndengu said the projects include the rehabilitation of 11 boreholes at Arovlei, Stinkwater, !Kharoxas, Nauaspoort and Khanubeb.
“In addition, the drilling of five boreholes at Stansclots is currently underway at a total cost of over N$2.2 million,” he said.
Ndengu said sanitation remains a critical pillar of community health, dignity and overall well-being.
He highlighted that the council has allocated over N$1 million towards sanitation interventions, while the water ministry contributed over N$1.4 million, and the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development availed N$800 000.
"As a result, over N$2.6 million has been earmarked for the construction of 175 dry toilets in rural areas," he said.
To date, 60 toilets have been completed, and construction of the remaining 115 is ongoing, with completion anticipated before the end of the 2025/2026 financial year.
He added that under the cash or food for work initiative, which focused on converting dry toilets to flushing systems, five households were provided with flushing toilets at a cost of over N$289 000.
"This intervention included the construction of five septic tanks and the necessary household connections, thereby improving sanitation conditions and ensuring better public health standards,” Ndengu said.
Focus on rural areas
Ndengu said that the council remains committed to supporting rural livelihoods and boosting household economic resilience. “Under the support resources to poor farmers programme, five families benefited in the form of small stock support. Four families received seven goats each, while one family received seven sheep, for N$66 500 for the programme.”
In addition, eight rural development projects were approved, and materials and equipment were handed over to beneficiaries at a cost of over N$400 000, Ndengu said.
In the education sector, the council renovated an ablution block at Nicolas Witbooi Primary School for N$231 000 and renovated an ablution block at Immanuel Shifidi Secondary School at a cost of N$755 000.
“As we embrace innovation and digital transformation, the council is also in the process of procuring 17 smart boards for six schools," he said.
In addition, N$150 000 has been set aside to assist the Namibian College of Open Learning (Namcol) learners to upgrade their Grade 11 and 12 results, while N$250 000 was allocated to support students enrolled at accredited institutions who may not qualify under the subsidised schemes.
School sport facilities
Ndengu added that the council continues to prioritise sports development, a key instrument for youth empowerment and social integration.
“The council fenced the Groot Aub sports field and constructed ablution facilities and an entrance gate to improve access and usability," he said.
At A. Shipena Secondary School, the netball court was refurbished to international standards and inaugurated, while ablution facilities at the school’s soccer field were renovated.
"We are pleased to indicate that phase two of the sports field development works is expected to be awarded to successful contractors towards the end of January 2026.”
Health moves
Moreover, the council funded the construction of three antenatal-care prefabricated rooms at the Khomasdal Clinic at a cost of over N$1 million. A combination of 25 industrial and standard air conditioners was installed at Katutura Health Centre to improve ventilation, service conditions and infection control.
“Works for the construction of a prefabricated storeroom and guardhouse, as well as overall renovations at Otjomuise Clinic, are at an advanced stage of the award process,” Ndengu said.
Additionally, the council will soon award works for the construction of antenatal-care prefabricated rooms, procurement of medical equipment, and installation of air-conditioning at Okuryangava Clinic. - [email protected]
