The Municipal Council of Windhoek has approved a new Recreational Facilities and Public Open Spaces Development Masterplan, aiming to revitalise 35 underutilised public open spaces across the City.
The plan responds to the challenges posed by rapid urbanisation and evolving land use needs.
The Council said the master plan will guide the design, development, and financing of these spaces, providing a framework for investors interested in creating parks, playgrounds, and family parks following Council standards.
“The masterplan is a critical initiative for enhancing our recreational infrastructure. It ensures that our public spaces are well-designed and cater to the diverse needs of our residents. The plan also includes six model designs for various types of parks, ensuring a comprehensive approach to urban green spaces,” says the City.
In conjunction with the recreational development, the Council has addressed the pressing issue of water scarcity by implementing new conservation measures.
Due to a Category-D drought status declared in June 2023, the Council has mandated a reduction in water usage by at least 15%.
“Our water conservation measures are essential for managing the current scarcity and ensuring sustainable water use in the future,” said the City of Windhoek.
The City said residents will experience several restrictions aimed at achieving the required water savings.
“Gardens are limited to weekly watering, vehicle washing is restricted to certified commercial car washes, and swimming pools must be covered and cannot be refilled from the public supply. These measures are designed to significantly reduce water consumption and encourage responsible use,” said the Council.
Additionally, water tariffs will be revised to include penalty rates for high consumption, and residents will be required to perform daily water meter readings to identify leaks.
The Council has emphasised that no rebates will be provided for water lost due to leaks, stressing the importance of vigilance.
These decisions were announced during the Municipal Council’s ordinary meeting on Wednesday, 31 July 2024.
