OMARURU - Authorities at the town of Omaruru have acknowledged that a massive increase in the demand for property and land delivery is forcing the town to spend money on capital and developmental projects to ensure the town is not left behind development-wise.

Omaruru says the money being spent on property and land delivery is to ensure it is on par with the other bigger towns in the region such as Walvis Bay and Swakopmund.

Ephraim Katjatjena, the spokesperson of the Omururu Municipality, said the town recently launched its Geographical Information System (GIS) in conjunction with the Polytechnic of Namibia and the Tavastia Vocational Training College in Finland.  This places Omaruru in a leading role with regard to GIS, along with towns such as Windhoek, Rundu, Walvis Bay and Otjiwarongo.  

According to Katjatjena, the system allows for improved planning, operation, maintenance and management of mainly municipal infrastructure, and development and reporting of various financial, technical and environmental aspects of local government.
Katjatjena said under the current budget, Council has already approved the amount of N$3 million for servicing of plots in Ozondje Township.

“In addition N$450,000 was used largely in-house through the construction of new sewage and water lines. The appointment of electrical contractors for Ozondje West and Extension 4 will consume the remaining budget, with about N$ 1 million additionally to be sourced to ensure the completion of these projects before July 2012.  Roads were constructed in the preceding budget year.”
Also high on the agenda of council is the upgrading of the water network.  

The council wants to upgrade 10 boreholes and pump houses, bulk transmission lines and auxiliary components, water quality assurance and monitoring and water loss control, for which an amount of N$500,000 is budgeted this year.  

Tenders for the upgrading of three boreholes and pump houses and bulk water pipes will be called in February and this upgrading work should be completed before July 2012, said the council.