Markets, street lights and parks planned for Rehoboth
New extensions, prepaid electricity and water meters, recreational parks, markets and street lights are part of the goals of the Rehoboth Town Council's budget for the 2024-2025 financial year.According to the town council's financial manager, Zeino Theron, these key priorities and capital projects are self-financed and amount to N$51 million. The open markets are planned for Block E and B, while the upgrading of infrastructure for information and communication technology, as well as the replacement of transformers also fall under the capital projects.
The council allocated N$261 million for the same financial year for municipal operations and development projects. According to Theron, this is a decrease of 5% compared to last year. Of the N$261 million, N$72 million was earmarked for personnel expenses, N$110 million for general expenses, N$13 million for repair and maintenance and N$64 million for capital expenses.
An additional N$7 million has also been earmarked for the rehabilitation of oxidation ponds, thanks to the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development.
The Road Fund Administration (RFA) has pledged N$4 million for the maintenance and construction of roads within the municipal area.
During the council's general meeting, residents of the town proposed that a think tank be created by the community to contribute ideas and suggestions for the improvement of the local economy and to reflect their commitment to active civic involvement.
Rehoboth's mayor, Amanda Groenewaldt, emphasised transparency and accountability in management.
"As part of our efforts to remain transparent and be held accountable by the electorate, the initiative is a necessary and required process to measure our performance in the delivery of services and the collection of revenue and thus governance as well as the political holding representatives accountable for their day-to-day activities," said Groenewaldt. – [email protected]