Nkurenkuru Secures Only N$4.7 Million for N$66.7 Million Infrastructure Plan for 2026/27 Financial Year
By TUW
Nkurenkuru’s ambitious development plans for the 2026/27 financial year are facing major financial uncertainty, with local authorities admitting that most proposed projects remain unfunded.
Acting chief executive Magana Mukuve revealed that while several infrastructure initiatives have been outlined, the available budget is insufficient to fully implement them. Speaking at the Kavango West regional political and technocrat leadership retreat held in Swakopmund on Friday, he acknowledged that the current project list reflects aspirations rather than secured commitments.
He explained that the municipality intends to prioritise essential services such as water, sewer systems, roads, and electricity, but progress will depend heavily on whether additional funding can be secured.
Among the key proposals is the continuation of infrastructure development in extensions two and three under phase five, where work has already started. The project carries an estimated cost of N$9.9 million. Another ongoing initiative involves phase two of sewer construction in extension four, budgeted at around N$3.8 million.
Mukuve also noted that plans are underway to modernise oxidation ponds, with feasibility studies and design processes currently in progress. This follows instructions from the relevant ministry that all planning must be completed before funds for construction can be approved.
In addition, the council is preparing a large-scale project to deliver municipal services — including sewer, water, roads and electricity — to another part of Nkurenkuru. This development is expected to require about N$53 million.
On road infrastructure, Nkurenkuru has secured a three-year agreement with the Road Fund Administration, which has allocated N$4.7 million in the current funding cycle for the upgrade of one of the town’s main roads. However, Mukuve indicated that spending must strictly remain within this limit.
Despite these plans, the council continues to grapple with significant financial constraints affecting both operational and capital projects. Mukuve warned that rapid urban growth, expanding unserviced areas, aging septic systems, and overloaded oxidation ponds are placing increasing pressure on the town’s infrastructure, posing environmental and public health risks that cannot be fully addressed under the current budget.
