Photo: (Fltr): Ephraim Shozi, Acting Chief Executive Officer Sylvia Schubert, and Walvis Bay Mayor Johannes Shimbilinga during the tabling of the Municipality of Walvis Bay’s proposed 2026/2027 budget.
The Municipality of Walvis Bay has tabled a proposed N$1.6 billion budget for the 2026/2027 financial year, with no increases proposed for water tariffs or property rates and taxes.
The budget was tabled during a Council meeting held on 7 May at the Walvis Bay Council Chambers. Presenting the budget, Ephraim Shozi said the municipality’s priorities for the coming financial year include improved service delivery, accelerated land development, and continued investment in critical infrastructure. The proposed budget consists of a Capial Budget of N$883 million and an Operating Budget of N$690 million for the year ending June 2027.
A significant portion of the Capital Budget, amounting to N$299 million or 34%, has been allocated to land development projects aimed at addressing housing and serviced land demand in Walvis Bay. Major allocations include N$25 million for Narraville Extension 11, N$52 million for Narraville Extension 8, and N$180 million earmarked for the development of Farm 37. The municipality said the investment in land delivery remains central to Council’s strategy to stimulate economic growth and support long-term urban development. The remaining 66% of the Capital Budget has been distributed across several project categories, including infrastructure repair and replacement, service delivery projects, social projects, vehicle replacement, and operational capital-related expenditure. Infrastructure development received the second-largest allocation of N$249 million.
The funds will be used for the upgrading, rehabilitation, and maintenance of roads, water infrastructure, sewer networks, and public facilities. Shozi acknowledged existing service delivery challenges in areas such as water, sanitation, roads, land delivery, and housing, stating that Council remains committed to strengthening oversight, accountability, and measurable outcomes. To improve refuse collection services, provision has also been made for the purchase of five new refuse removal trucks following repeated breakdowns involving the municipality’s aging fleet. In an effort to support residents and local economic recovery, Council proposed only limited tariff adjustments for the new financial year.
Refuse removal and sanitation services are expected to increase by 3%, while no increases have been proposed for water sales or property rates and taxes. According to Shozi, the proposed budget was informed by community feedback received during public budget consultation meetings held in March this year. Residents and stakeholders were given the opportunity to raise concerns and identify development priorities within their communities. The municipality noted that the budget aligns with Council’s new Strategic Plan, which will run from July 2026 to June 2031, and supports national priorities related to infrastructure development, governance, and inclusive economic growth. Council has encouraged residents and stakeholders to review the detailed Capital Budget and continue participating in engagements regarding municipal development priorities.
By Eileen van der Schyff
