… The court found, in a judgement delivered on Friday, that the Local Authorities Act does not include the provision of telecommunication services among the powers it gives to local authorities in Namibia, including the City of Windhoek. …
… Former LPM ||Kharas Regional Council chairperson Josef Isaaks says Section 13(1)(g) of the Local Authorities Act must be read to completion as it further speaks of the rights and dignity of members withdrawn from public office. …
The local authorities Act and the Disaster Risk Management Act clearly establish the legal responsibilities of town councils in Namibia to protect communities from disasters such as floods, contaminated water, fires, and drought. …
… She wrote that there is no provision in the Local Authorities Act, the Code of Conduct, or any adopted standing rule that prohibits a councillor from wearing a cap during an induction or council-related engagement. …
… Presentations are expected to focus on several priority areas, including the implementation of existing legal and policy frameworks governing housing provision, such as the Local Authorities Act and the Decentralisation Enabling Act. …
… Sankwasa says local authorities are creations of government but are required by law to raise revenue to supplement their finances, a responsibility outlined in the Local Authorities Act and the Regional Councils Act. …
The Supreme Court has ruled that the City of Windhoek does not have the power to provide telecommunication services to its residents, finding that the Local Authorities Act does not grant local authorities in Namibia such powers. The judgment upheld the High Court's 2023 decision to set aside the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia's award of a comprehensive telecommunications licence to the city.
Why it matters
Supreme Court judgment limiting Windhoek's municipal powers has constitutional implications for local government service delivery.
The Supreme Court has ruled that the City of Windhoek does not have the power to provide telecommunication services to its residents, finding that the Local Authorities Act does not grant local authorities in Namibia such powers. The judgment upheld the High Court's 2023 decision to set aside the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia's award of a comprehensive telecommunications licence to the city.
The Landless People's Movement withdrew Keetmanshoop mayor Melody Swartbooi from her position without disclosing a reason, prompting supporters to question their party loyalty and claim the removal violated legal procedures under the Local Authorities Act.
Residents in Grootfontein expressed concern after cattle were spotted grazing in a cemetery, risking damage to graves and tombstones. Community activist Pablo Benjamin called for the municipality to enforce proper fencing and by-laws to prevent livestock from entering burial grounds and to hold cattle owners accountable.
Residents of Kehemu Sidamenena have endured seasonal flooding for nearly eight years due to the area's natural topography, with water accumulating and damaging homes, businesses, and public health. The article argues that despite repeated reports to the town council, no meaningful intervention has occurred, and questions why similar flooding in wealthier areas like Queens Park prompted swift ministerial action and N$108 million in funding, while this informal settlement remains neglected.
Re-elected NPD councillor Simasiku Mukendwa outlined his priorities for Katima Mulilo Town Council, citing corruption and maladministration as the council's "biggest enemies" and pledging to reform governance systems, improve accountability, and tackle long-standing service-delivery challenges including roads and sewer infrastructure through gradual, realistic progress.
Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa has criticised local authorities for disconnecting water to pensioners and low-income residents over small debts while allowing businesses owing large amounts to continue receiving services. He stressed that water disconnections should not target poor and vulnerable residents and called on councils to apply fairness and humanity when enforcing credit control measures.
A parliamentary standing committee on urban and rural development is holding consultative meetings at Rundu with five major local authorities to assess land delivery and housing provision. The consultations aim to gather evidence on how housing is planned and delivered, identify constraints, and propose practical measures to address Namibia's estimated housing backlog of 300,000 to 700,000 units.
Minister of urban and rural development James Sankwasa has vowed to settle his outstanding water bill of N$174,000 and urged government ministries, departments, and businesses to pay debts owed to local authorities. Sankwasa warned that many local authorities face financial distress and inability to maintain basic services due to unpaid accounts from government institutions.