Highlights from the Municipal Council of Windhoek ordinary council meeting held on Wednesday, 23 October 2024

1. Windhoek Council to sell outdated electricity substations for residential use

   The City of Windhoek plans to sell outdated electricity substations for residential usage in the city’s oldest townships. At least 25 substations with a total land area of more than 2.3 hectares have been identified for this purpose. The identified substations are located on erven, each measuring 450 square meters or more, and will be transformed into residential plots. They are conveniently situated in serviced areas that allow for easy connections to municipal services such as water, electricity, and sewage at a minimal cost.

   The existing electrical infrastructure at these sites is aging and has reached the end of its lifespan. The proposal involves replacing these outdated electricity infrastructures with modern, compact switchgear that requires only 18 square meters (6 m x 3 m) for installation. The proposal includes subdividing the substation erven and reserving only the 18 square meters needed for the new electrical installations. This strategic initiative seeks not only to modernize Windhoek’s electrical infrastructure but also to address the critical land shortage in the City and enhance the overall living conditions for residents.

   Financial estimates indicate that replacing these outdated electricity infrastructures will cost approximately N$13,109,000. In contrast, the sale of the erven, if zoned for single residential use, could generate around N$28,845,952. Revenue from these sales will cover upgrade costs and provide ongoing income for the Council through municipal services such as rates, taxes, and refuse removal.

2. Windhoek Council plans to build a Waste-to-Energy Power Plant

   The Municipal Council of Windhoek plans to build a Waste-to-Energy Plant to generate bulk electricity and improve waste management. This initiative aims to diversify the energy supply, enhance the security of electricity provision, and reduce carbon emissions. Recently, the City of Windhoek completed a pre-feasibility study to assess the project’s viability before advancing to a comprehensive feasibility study, which will explore various operational scenarios and guide the facility’s development.

   According to the pre-feasibility study, Windhoek generates around 7,000 tons of municipal solid garbage every month, which provides a solid foundation for the project. The proposed facility is expected to process 250 tons of waste per day, equivalent to 8.5 MW of electricity and 17.5 MW of heat, with the possibility to increase capacity to 400 tons per day by incorporating waste from neighboring cities.

   Utilizing advanced incineration technology, the plant will efficiently process a variety of waste types without the need for sorting. Furthermore, it will be equipped with a state-of-the-art air pollution control system that complies with international standards, including those set by the European Union, ensuring minimal environmental impact.

   The proposed power plant is expected to be located near existing industrial areas or the Kupferberg Landfill Site, pending an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This initiative aligns with Windhoek’s goal of reclaiming its status as Africa’s cleanest city through sustainable waste disposal practices. The project is being led by the City’s Solid Waste Management Division and the Department of Electricity. As Windhoek seeks innovative solutions to its waste management challenges, the Waste-to-Energy Plant represents a significant step toward sustainable energy production and environmental management.

3. City Enhances Safety with Donation of CCTV Cameras

   The City of Windhoek has received a donation of 10 CCTV cameras from the Khomas Regional Council. This significant contribution aims to enhance safety for residents across various constituencies. The cameras have been handed over to the City Police Department for operations and maintenance.

   These cameras will be strategically installed in crime hotspots identified through collaboration between Constituency offices and the Windhoek City Police, thereby improving the overall security of the city.

   The CCTV cameras will be monitored from the Windhoek City Police Command and Dispatch Centre, enabling a proactive approach to crime prevention. The Windhoek City Police will take full ownership of the cameras and be responsible for key operations, including installation, continuous monitoring, and prompt responses to alerts and incidents detected through camera surveillance. They will also handle the maintenance and upgrades of the CCTV system’s hardware and software.

4. City of Windhoek to Sign Memorandum of Understanding with Namibia Airports Company

   The City of Windhoek is set to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Namibia Airports Company (NAC). This partnership aims to enhance cooperation between the two institutions in key areas, including the development of an effective emergency management system and the promotion of aerodrome safety at Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA) and Eros Airport.

   The NAC plays a vital role in the country’s productivity and economic growth, directly benefiting both leisure and business travelers. Its influence extends beyond aviation, supporting the development of sectors such as logistics, tourism, and hospitality, which are crucial for the national economy.

   By collaborating with the NAC, the City aims to strengthen its tourism sector, as both HKIA and Eros Airport serve as gateways for visitors to Namibia. A seamless travel experience begins at these airports, making them integral to promoting the city as a prime destination.

   Residents can look forward to improved safety measures and enhanced tourism experiences as a result of this collaboration.

Please take note that the above are only highlights of the council meeting. More details about all the items discussed are available on our website through this link: https://www.windhoekcc.org.na/council-agenda/