The leadership of Ongwediva was on 18 November returned to their positions during a council meeting where the councillors elected who amongst themselves should fill the town’s leadership positions.
Reverend Taarah Shalyefu was re-elected to remain the town’s mayor for the next 12 months.
Ms Ulalia Katonyala was also re-elected to remain the deputy mayor.
In his acceptance speech, Shalyefu stated that his council will make land provision a top priority.
This is his full acceptance speech.
“I AM deeply humbled to stand before you today on this momentous occasion as we mark the election of our town’s political office bearers.
“I am grateful and privileged to be re-elected as Mayor of our beloved town of Ongwediva. It is a profound honour to note the level of trust in our leadership by the residence of this town.
“Embarking on this journey leading towards the end of our tenure prompted me to express my appreciations to the SWAPO Party for entrusting me with the responsibility to lead this town for the past four years.
“I am equally grateful to you all honourable councillors, for your support throughout. In the same vein, I wish to humbly encourage you to continue with the spirit of teamwork for the betterment of socio-economic development of our town and all inhabitants.
“Let me further extend my sincere gratitude to the management and staff of Ongwediva Town Council under the stewardship of the Chief Executive Officer for ensuring that decisions made in this August House are implemented diligently.
“Same goes to the residents of Ongwediva for working collaboratively with us through various platforms. You have really demonstrated your civic duties on the development of this town.
“During our tenure and in line with the Local Authorities Act, Act 23 of 1992 (as amended), we implemented the following projects in consultations with the residents:
“• During the year 2021, we continued guiding development in all 8 Extensions of Omatando, comprised of over 2000 plots. The aim is to ensure residents acquire land ownership in that area contrary to the unfavourable situation of the past, where erection of structures was on the increase without proper coordination.
“• The Council has prioritised land delivery, hence the township establishment of Extension 6 adjacent to Efidi Proper. We are further in the process of planning a residential area at Onawa opposite Elyambala village, NATIS area.
“• We have executed the provision of sewer reticulation at Extension 15, covering 310 erven. A similar project of sewer reticulation was also undertaken and completed at Sky Phase 1, where 310 erven are covered.
“• Furthermore, last year through the programme of accelerated land delivery, the Council has relocated families from Okalonda location to Onawa and Okandjengedi.
“• In terms of electrification projects, residents of Sky Phase 3 are now enjoying the availability of electricity in their extension. Similarly, Sky Phase 2 has also been electrified. Recently, the road from Select towards Oshiko traffic check point has been partially fitted with streetlights. Ongwe Street has also been electrified to enhance safety and security for students and community members who make use of that area.
“• The call to have a modern sport facility in Ongwediva has been responded to with the construction of the field at Extension 17 underway. In addition, we recently had a groundbreaking ceremony for a recreation park at Extension 11, which is anticipated to bring life to this town.
“Council does not only focus on capital projects but also zoom into the social and economic welfare of the residents. It is for that reason that for the past four years, no increase on tariff was done due to economic hardships and effects of COVID-19.
“In the same spirit, Council has introduced senior citizen rebates to provide additional support.
“Additionally, we have implemented a 12-month interest waiver on fees accumulated during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to alleviate some of the financial stress faced by our residents.
“Taking on this responsibility as Mayor and Chairperson of Council, I am committed to reflect on past resolutions, assessing the rate of implementation and determining the way forward.
“The housing backlog remains a critical issue and addressing it remains top priority as we move forward.
“Your Worship, Fellow Councillors, ladies and gentlemen, the recent review of the strategic plan has provided us with a clear picture of what has been implemented thus far, and areas of concern.
“I believe, together we have worked tirelessly on a substantial number of impactful projects.
“Moreover, we have actively pursued a unique car registration mark for Ongwediva, a request currently under positive consideration by the responsible ministry.
“As a responsible local authority, we managed to resolve longstanding land disputes and remain committed to addressing any remaining cases.
“We have enacted several policies namely, Dog Policy, Customer Service Charter, Travelling Policy just to mention but a few. The primary focus is to improve the services delivery and well-being of our residents.
“We are aware of existing challenges such as: the oxidation pond’s capacity issues and slow finalisation of compensation.
“With this commitment, I pledge to continue working closely with all our stakeholders for the benefit of our people and to ensure that Ongwediva remains a preferred town for living and investment.
“In closing, I urge each of you to participate in the upcoming election on 27 November 2024. Let us not only exercise our right to vote but also encourage our friends, family, and neighbours to understand the power and importance of their votes.”
In the photo: Reverend Taarah Shalyefu swearing, before Magistrate Mozay Jansen, to diligently and to the best of his ability serve the residents of Ongwediva.
