The City of Windhoek’s debtors’ book declined to N$869 million by 31 March 2026, down from N$888 million recorded at the end of the previous financial year on 30 June 2025, as the municipality intensifies efforts to improve revenue collection and stabilise its finances.
Speaking during the municipality’s April ordinary council meeting, Windhoek Mayor Sakarias Uunona said arrears also declined from N$650 million to N$626 million over the same period.
Uunona said the figures reflected gradual progress in strengthening the municipality’s financial position despite continued economic pressure on households and businesses.
“Council remains one of the largest drivers of economic activity and employment within the local economy, and stable revenue collection is fundamental to fulfilling this responsibility,” he said.
The municipality is also continuing engagements with central government on a debt and land swap arrangement linked to a government loan currently valued at N$716 million.
According to Uunona, nearly half of the amount relates to accumulated interest.
“The successful conclusion of this arrangement will not only improve Council’s liquidity position, but will also create greater financial space for infrastructure investment, service expansion, and long-term urban development,” he said.
The proposed arrangement is expected to improve the municipality’s current ratio from N$1.13 to N$1.80 for every dollar of current liabilities.
Uunona said the improvement would strengthen the city’s institutional resilience and ability to meet service delivery obligations.
The municipality also reported progress on infrastructure and public service projects during the current financial year.
A total of 383 informal houses were connected to electricity, while a further 103 connections remain pending lease agreement approvals despite electricity poles already being installed.
The city also erected 15 high mast lights across informal settlements and constituencies in Windhoek. Four are already operational, while the remaining 11 are expected to be connected within the next two to four months.
“These developments place the City of Windhoek on a stronger and more sustainable footing to meet its obligations, protect essential service delivery, and advance a responsive, developmental, and economically resilient municipality for all residents,” said Uunona.
