Interview: Minister Sankwasa and Activists Criticize Windhoek Council Mismanagement

Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa has raised serious concerns over Windhoek City Council, citing delays in infrastructure, housing, and informal settlement projects. The minister said the government had allocated 750 million N$ to the city for land servicing, sanitation, water supply, and construction of 10,000 houses, yet no concrete plan has been presented.

Sankwasa described internal disputes among councillors and management as major obstacles, with personal and political conflicts taking priority over residents’ needs. “The mayor does not talk to the deputy mayor. They put political agendas above the wishes and needs of the community,” he said.

Social justice activist Shaun Gariseb highlighted similar concerns after observing a council meeting, noting councillors and technocrats spent hours accusing each other of dishonesty, misinterpreting policies, and sabotaging discussions on the Red Force debt collection contract. “The councilors felt exactly what residents experience every day. Some alderwomen even left the meeting early seeking spiritual intervention as they felt honest members were being misled,” Gariseb said.

Sankwasa confirmed some of the government funding has been redirected to other local authorities ready to implement projects, warning Windhoek that remaining funds will be reallocated if the council continues to underperform.

The minister also emphasized the need for councillors to prioritize citizens over personal interests, citing issues with absentee management, misuse of contracts, and ineffective technical oversight. “Residents must now decide: are these the best councillors to vote for? Are they serving the people, or themselves?” he asked.

Both Sankwasa and Gariseb stressed that accountability and transparency are essential for restoring trust in local governance, urging citizens to monitor council performance closely.