News from Council Chambers
During the most recent City Council meeting held earlier this week several items were discussed. Here’s a summary of highlights:Employment equity
Council received an A-Grade rating from the Employment Equity Commission, achieving an impressive score of 95.56% for its implementation of the Affirmative Action Programme during the 2023/2024 review period.
While the assessment report praised the Council's progress, it also highlighted the need for improvement in the employment of persons with disabilities. In response, the Department of Human Capital and Corporate Services is developing targeted strategies to address this priority.
Street renaming
Council approved the renaming of Barug Street in Luxury Hill, Katutura, to honour the legacy of the late Dr Fleming Aspara. Aspara was a renowned medical practitioner who lived and operated his clinic on Barug Street. Highly respected in the community, Aspara was regarded as a pioneer in providing essential healthcare services to Katutura’s community, bringing quality consultation and medical care closer to residents.
In addition to meeting all requirements under the Street and Place Naming Guidelines, the proposed renaming received overwhelming support from the Barug Street community, with over 90% of residents endorsing it and no public objections recorded.
Stadium renaming
The council also approved the renaming of Khomasdal Stadium in honour of the late Bobby Walter Sissing, a respected leader in the sports movement. Affectionately known as Uncle Bob, Sissing is widely recognised as the founder of the Khomasdal Football League and the Central Namibia Football Association in the 1980s. His initiatives played a pivotal role in laying the groundwork for the development of football in modern-day Namibia.
Khomasdal Stadium is owned and managed by the Municipal Council, and serves as a vital venue for socialising and entertainment for both the immediate community and neighbouring areas, particularly for the youth and school-going population.
Cooperation agreements
City council has actively developed strong relationships with various local authorities across the country, often formalised through five-year cooperation agreements. Some of these agreements, which have now expired, were signed with the Aranos Town Council, Otjinene Village Council, Outjo Municipality, Otavi Town Council, and Opuwo Town Council. Both Windhoek and its partner councils have expressed a mutual interest in renewing these agreements.
Furthermore, Windhoek received requests from several other local authorities, including the Bethanie Village Council, Omaruru Municipality, Aroab Village Council, and Kalkrand Village Council, that aim to establish new cooperation agreements.
The areas of collaboration outlined in these agreements encompass a wide range of sectors, including economic development and trade, public safety and emergency management, waste management, health and wellness, and town planning and land management.
These partnerships are designed to enhance service delivery, promote sustainable development, and facilitate knowledge-sharing among local authorities throughout the country.
More details about all the items discussed are available at https://www.windhoekcc.org.na/council-agenda/