Council approves Windhoek Urban Structure Plan 2026-2046
Feedback on potholes
The Municipal Council has formally approved the Windhoek Urban Structure Plan (WUSP) 2026-2046, a long-term spatial planning framework set to guide the city’s growth, land use, and development over the next two decades.Adopted under the Urban and Regional Planning Act, 2018, the plan provides a primary framework for coordinated and sustainable development, improved land management, and strategic investment across the city.
The approval follows an extensive public consultation process conducted between July and August 2025. Council held 18 public meetings across urban, peri-urban, and rural areas, including targeted sessions in informal settlements, engagements with government ministries and State-Owned Enterprises, focus group discussions, and online participation opportunities.
The final draft will now be submitted to the Urban and Regional Planning Board for consideration and onward recommendation to the Minister of Urban and Rural Development. Once approved and gazetted by the Minister, the city will be eligible to be declared an Authorised Planning Authority under Section 16 of the Urban and Regional Planning Act.
Council emphasised that the adoption of the plan does not alter existing property rights. Rather, it will guide all future rezoning, subdivision, and development applications. Achieving Authorised Planning Authority status is expected to streamline planning approvals, reduce delays, and grant the Council greater autonomy in decision-making aligned with the Structure Plan.
City officials anticipate that the milestone will attract new investment and accelerate development, particularly in informal settlements, where large-scale planning has historically been slowed by procedural requirements and external dependencies.
Pothole update
In other news, in preparation for the rainy season, the Windhoek Municipal Council approved a comprehensive action plan to accelerate pothole repairs across the city.
According to council reports, potholes result from a combination of poor drainage, ageing pavements, heavy traffic, climate cycles, and inadequate historical maintenance. The city’s paved network, covering approximately 883 kilometres, has seen much of its infrastructure exceed its design lifespan. Currently, 16% of road surfaces and 18% of structural layers are rated in poor to very poor condition.
The estimated cost to address the backlog in flexible pavements stands at N$2.67 billion. Despite these challenges, the Council has repaired more than 36 135 potholes to date. The new action plan aims to improve road safety, protect infrastructure, and reduce repair backlogs.