Introduction

Chapter 12 of the Namibian Constitution provides for the establishment of a system of regional and local government throughout the country. Article 102 (1) of the Constitution, which specifically provides for the structures of regional and local government states that:

For purposes of regional and local government, Namibia shall be divided into regional and local units, which shall consist of such regions and local authorities as may be determined and defined by Act of parliament.

Population

Ondangwa Constituency 31 694 as a whole and Ondangwa Town 10 900 itself

Administrative Organisation

There is a Council, made of 7 elected Councillors from different political parties who are representing the voters. In the case of Ondangwa, all 7 councillors are from one political party SWAPO.

The 7 Councillors amoung them a Mayor who is the chairperson of the Council makes policies and decisions to be implemented by the employees of the council who are headed by the Chief Executive Officer.

Amoung the 7 councillors, 3 are female (Mayor included) and 4 are male. 3 members of the Council forms up a Management Committee that scrutinize monthly reports from all heads of departments and they give a report to the full council that sits on a monthly basis.

The Council is being administered by the Chief Executive Officer, as a head of the organisation heading all staff of the Council and implementing policies and decisions of the Council.

Functions of the Council

1. To supply water for all residents.
2. To prepare and make land available for development.
3. To provide, Maintain and carry on a system of sewerage, water drainage and refuse removal services and electricity services.
4. To establish and maintain fire brigade, museums, libraries, abattoirs and open markets, cemeteries, streets and street lights.
5. To beatify and secure the neatness of the area including the planting, trimming or removal of trees.
6. To acquire or dispose of immovable or movable properties.
7. To promote tourism and make By-laws and policies to govern the town.

Number of Employees : There are 55 employees of the Council at the moment.

Annual Budget and Its Structures
The structure of the budget is in two parts, which are:

The Operational Budget – this includes expenditures for operations, such as salaries, fuels, stationeries and bulk water and electricity suppliers. This should not be more than 35% of the total budget.

Capital Budget – the capital budget is a budget for all developmental projects such as construction of roads, sewerage lines, water networks, electricity networks, and storm water drainage, construction of parks, gardens and sporting facilities. This usually has to make up more than 74% of the total budget.

Income is normally around 21 million N$ while the expenditure is normally around 27 million N$, of which the difference is paid through reserves, subsidies from Government and from the Road Fund Administration.

Sources of income of the Local Authority

1. Rates and Taxes on Properties.
2. Charges on water.
3. Surcharges from electricity.
4. Interest or dividends from investments.
5. Fines imposed by law.
6. Government Subsidies.
7. Donations.