Windhoek outlines John Pandeni upgrades
Residents of John Pandeni Constituency have been urged to take a more active role in reporting service delivery problems as the City of Windhoek outlines plans to improve water security, emergency response, roads and public safety.
Among the major infrastructure projects highlighted was the planned upgrade of the City's water reclamation facilities. The Gammams Water Reclamation Facility is set for an estimated N$1.1 billion upgrade, while the Otjomuise Reclamation Plant is projected to cost about N$800 million. The projects form part of the City's efforts to strengthen water infrastructure and improve Windhoek's long-term water security.
The City's Chief of Emergency and Disaster Risk Management, Raymond Kapiya, said the municipality was also investing in emergency response capacity. The Council has budgeted N$10 million for the procurement of fire engines and heavy-duty rescue vehicles, as well as N$400,000 for additional emergency equipment. The investment is expected to strengthen the City's ability to provide emergency services around the clock, including to communities in John Pandeni.
Road maintenance was another issue raised during the meeting, with several roads in the constituency identified for upgrading from gravel to bitumen. Residents were encouraged to report potholes and riverbeds requiring cleaning to help the City identify and address maintenance needs. The meeting also introduced residents to the Windhoek Solar Centre, an information and innovation hub providing advice on solar technologies, suppliers, financing options and the integration of solar systems with the municipal electricity grid.
Residents were further urged to report overflowing skip containers, areas requiring street cleaning and potholes.
Meanwhile, the City Police encouraged communities to identify local safety hotspots where CCTV cameras could potentially be installed. Constituency Councillor John Moonde called on residents to participate openly and constructively in discussions on issues affecting their communities.
City Councillor Ndeshihafela Larandja stressed the importance of collaboration between local and regional leadership. Larandja acknowledged that not all concerns raised by residents could be addressed immediately, but said City officials would record the issues and follow them up with the relevant departments.
The City continues to encourage residents to participate in public discussions, report service delivery challenges and work with the municipality to improve services and infrastructure in their communities.
