The Oshakati Town Council this afternoon re-elected Mr Leonard Hango to be the town’s mayor for the next 12 months.

At an election presided over by Oshakati Magistrate Toini Shilongo, Hango’s nomination by fellow Councillor Puyeipawa Elifas was seconded by Councillor Hofni Mutota, and without any other nominations from the floor Hango was declared duly elected as Mayor of the Town and Chairperson of the Council.

Councillor Puyeipawa Elifas was elected to be the deputy mayor and vice-chairperson of the council. While Councillors Ruusa Frans, Maria Mutumbulwa and Hofni Mutota are the new members of the management committee, with Mutota serving as the chairperson of the management committee.

Councillors Martha Imene and Jerobeam Ndaamohamba are ordinary council members.

“I take to this podium to accept the responsibility that Council has bestowed upon me to once again serve the community of Oshakati as the Mayor of this town for the second term,” Hango said in his acceptance speech.

“Above all, I must thank the masses, the people of Oshakati for entrusting us as Honourable Councillors of Oshakati to continue to lead and serve the town and its people regardless of their color, religion, race or political affiliation.”

During his first term as councillor and mayor Hango said that the first issue his council tackled was the finalization of the appointment of the chief executive officer for the town.

“Secondly, Council have drafted the strategic plan for 2021-2025 which will serve as a guiding tool on major projects to be embarked upon during the 5 year period.”

The formalization of the town’s informal settlements is a priority during his council’s tenure. “This process has already begun as we have Evululuko location that we recently finally proclaimed as a township and is now called Extension 10.

“Council have also successfully relocated the Sky location residents to Onawa. Council will continue to formalize locations such as Uupindi South, Ompumbu, Okandjengedi South, Oshoopala, Oshimbangu and Kalaula.”

Hango listed other achievements such as the completion of the Caribbean recreation facility, the construction of the new Ekuku park which is expected to be completed next year, and the completion of the construction of the weigh bridge at the town’s landfill site.

“As part of addressing housing needs and urban land delivery, council have revived the Build Together programme,” Hango stated.

“This programme is aimed at giving loans to our ultra-low income earners of our society to build their houses.”

“It’s now my singular honor to accept the mayoral portfolio with vigor, confidence and without any reservation, as it was bestowed upon me with trust,” Hango concluded.

In the photo: Leonard Hango receiving the mayoral chain of responsibility.