Ongwediva Town Council — local authority managing infrastructure, housing, and service delivery in Ongwediva, facing capacity constraints amid rapid population growth.
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August 2026
Informanté
Ongwediva Town Councilis urged to work together withprivate sector and stakeholders to mobilise resources for expansion of trade fair centre
Source
“"It is therefore important that Ongwediva Town Council, together with the private sector and all relevant stakeholders, work together to mobilise resources for the expansion and continued improvement of the Ongwediva Trade Fair Centre to ensure that the infrastructure meets the demand that this Fair has created," she said.”
Ongwediva Town Councilis establishingnew townships at Oshinyadhila and Elyambala
Source
“The council is establishing new townships at Oshinyadhila and Elyambala, allocating land to the Shack Dwellers Federation of Namibia Housing Programme and preparing land for the National Housing Enterprise (NHE) at Efidi Extension 6.”
Ongwediva Town Councildoes not receivecentral government funding for wastewater infrastructure projects
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“To make matters worse, the council faces serious financial constraints in addressing the problem, as it does not receive central government funding for wastewater infrastructure projects, making it difficult to finance the construction of a modern treatment facility.”
Ongwediva Town Councilhas launcheda disaster risk preparedness initiative
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“The Ongwediva Town Council has launched a disaster risk preparedness initiative, becoming the first local authority to procure its own emergency tents to strengthen response efforts during natural disasters.”
The Ongwediva Town Councilhas launcheda disaster risk preparedness initiative
Source
“The Ongwediva Town Council has launched a disaster risk preparedness initiative, becoming the first local authority to procure its own emergency tents to strengthen response efforts during natural disasters.”
Ongwediva Town Councilis finalising the process of availingserviced land for student accommodation development
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“Ongwediva Town Council is finalising the process of availing serviced land for the development of student accommodation, in response to the growing housing challenges faced by students in the town.”
The Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair received 1,872 applications for exhibition space in its 25th edition but could only accommodate 485 exhibitors, prompting President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to call for expansion of the venue. The President noted the fair has grown from a local authority exhibition into a major platform for trade promotion and enterprise development.
The Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair received 1,872 applications for exhibition space in its 25th edition but could only accommodate 485 exhibitors, prompting President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to call for expansion of the venue. The President noted the fair has grown from a local authority exhibition into a major platform for trade promotion and enterprise development.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah called for expansion of the Ongwediva Trade Fair Centre after 1,872 businesses applied for exhibition space but only 485 could be accommodated at the 25th Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair.
Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa has directed local authorities to submit outstanding municipal debts owed by pensioners, deceased residents, and destitute persons for possible write-off, with a deadline of 31 August 2026 to provide verified information.
The Ongwediva Town Council has completed two capital projects totalling N$7.9 million aimed at improving service delivery, according to Mayor Naemi Amuthenu.
More than 35,500 people are on waiting lists for residential land across Oshakati, Ondangwa, and Ongwediva, with Oshakati accounting for over 18,000 applicants. Local authorities cite rising demand for serviced land as a major challenge and are developing new townships to address the shortage.
An activist has proposed dissolving Ongwediva Town Council and incorporating it into Oshakati Town Council to improve service delivery and reduce administrative duplication in northern Namibia. The proposal argues that Oshakati has become the Oshana region's main commercial, administrative and economic hub, making separate local authorities unnecessary.
The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development has approved salary increases for local authority councillors nationwide, recognising their contributions while acknowledging financial challenges facing councils. Part Two municipality mayors will see annual allowances rise from N$102,246 to N$108,380.76, with similar increases across other council positions.
Ongwediva's sewerage infrastructure, designed for 5,000 residents, now serves over 33,000 people and is operating far beyond capacity, while Outapi faces similar pressures with a system over 29 years old. Both towns cite funding constraints and lack of central government support as barriers to upgrading their wastewater treatment facilities and infrastructure.
Residents and businesses in Ongwediva complained at a town council meeting about dark streets creating safety risks, crumbling infrastructure, and slow service delivery, while Nored confirmed streetlight bulb shortages of two weeks but said stocks have been replenished and repairs will soon resume.
Ongwediva Town Council has procured six emergency tents valued at N$140,000 to strengthen its disaster response capacity, making it the first local authority to own such equipment. The tents will provide temporary shelter and support relief operations during natural disasters and humanitarian crises.
Ongwediva Town Council has launched a disaster risk preparedness initiative and procured six emergency tents valued at N$140,000, making it the first local authority to do so, to provide temporary shelter and support relief operations during natural disasters such as floods and fires.
Simeon Shimwino, a planner from Onesi, worked as a construction laborer and security guard while pursuing education in art and computer studies, eventually earning a diploma and degree from the International University of Management through determination and support from others. Despite mockery and hardship, he now motivates young people and pursues a master's degree, encouraging others that their current situation need not define their future.
Ongwediva Town Council is finalising the provision of serviced land to address student accommodation shortages in the town, where students currently face overcrowded conditions and unsafe living situations. The council aims to develop affordable housing close to the area's universities and colleges, and is inviting private developers and SMEs to partner on the project once the land allocation process is complete.