CoW accused of ignoring ratepayers
The Annual General Meeting of the Windhoek Residents & Ratepayers Association (WRRA) took place earlier this week with around 25 people in attendance, despite having around 250 members.According to outgoing association president, Sven von Blottnitz, these numbers are deceptive as numerous body corporates have joined the WRRA.
During the sometimes heated discussions, it became clear that the almost 3 000 residents represented by the WRRA are not taken seriously and respected by the Windhoek municipality, with members accusing the city council “arrogance”.
However, the tireless work of board member Freya Lund has added tremendous value to members.
Seemingly the most active member of the WRRA, Lund has created a good working relationship with city officials and she has been able to help residents out of some sticky situations (as reported by our sister publication, Allgemeine Zeitung). Still, she too, accused city management of arrogance and laziness.
In his annual report, Von Blottnitz warned that the association would face existential difficulties if membership continues to decline. Add to that, board members are tired and frustrated, while the members present demanded that the board play a more active – even aggressive – role.
A clash ensued, with members bringing forward various ideas and policies, most of which were dismissed, with requests to either serve on the board themselves or to suggest someone to do the work.
Financially, the association is solid, but there seems to be a lack of executive power.