Aloe - August Issue 06

8/4/2019 Aloe - August Issue 06

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ISSUE 8 • AUGUST 2006MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR THE RESIDENTS OF WINDHOEK

The editorial team of the Aloe invites public perception and opinions regarding articles that they would like to see being published in the Aloe.

This is of pertinent importance to us in order to accommodate our clients input and views regarding the city’s information dissemination process.

Letters can be addressed to:The Editor Aloe, PO Box 59, Windhoek, Email: [email protected], Log on to website: www.windhoekcc.org.na

WINGOC GAINS ISO 9001 (2000) STATUS

Namibia is the most arid country in sub-Saharan Africa, enjoying only a short

period of rainfall annually and being periodically prone to drought. As a result,

Windhoek continuously faces serious water shortages; thus, its investment in

water reclamation technology.

The City of Windhoek’s reclamation plant is the only facility in the world carrying

out direct potable water reclamation, a task undertaken since 1969.

In order to ensure the sustainable long term operation of the plant, the plant is jointly

managed by the City of Windhoek in partnership with a major international consortium

under a performance-based private management agreement signed in 2002. Partners

with the City are the French company Vivendi, Germany’s Berlinwasser and VA-Tech

Wabag from Austria who together form the Windhoek Goreangab Operating Company

(WINGOC).

The plant treats domestic waste water which is further puried by means of a mul -tiple-barrier treatment sequence using modern technology to produce potable water of

internationally accepted quality.

WINGOC is now ISO 9001 (2000) certied. Certication was awarded by the Interna-

tional French Certication Company, Bureau Veritas (BVQI). The certication in essence

indicates that an international quality management System is in place which addresses

all aspects of modern management including product quality, operations based on best

practice, maintenance, human resource and nancial resource management.

Potable reuse, despite its potential difculties, is an indispensable element of the

Windhoek water system and has proven to be a reliable and sustainable option to produce

safe potable water. The City of Windhoek and WINGOC have an excellent professional

relationship which is based on sound operational and quality principles. This is paramount

as the health of all consumers in Windhoek is of utmost importance.

In order to celebrate the ISO 9001 certication in potable water production, a recent

mayoral function was organised at the new Goreangab Water Reclamation Plant at which

the ISO 9001 certicate was formally handed to the City of Windhoek by Chairman of

the WINGOC Board, Dr. Gerald Leopold.

Reclaimed water constitutes between 10 and 35 percent of the total water volume

consumed by City consumers. Extensive water quality monitoring programmes are in

place to ensure the required water quality after each treatment process as well as the

nal water supplied to the City.

The involvement of international partner shareholders, all of whom are major role players in the water industry, ensures ongoing applied research on all aspects of direct

reclamation at the new Goreangab Water Reclamation Plant as well as at the various

research facilities in Europe. The ongoing research aims at further developing and im-

proving the reclamation of potable water from domestic sewage and assessing health

related issues.

City residents can be assured that the City only purchases potable water of the highest

quality from WINGOC for distribution – and proud that the Goreangab plant has received

such internationally credible recognition.

EDITORIAL: CHANGE IS ON THE HORIZON

Aloe rst appeared in May 1991.

The publication was born to

further enable the City to com-

municate with residents and inform them

on municipal affairs. It has since then

been distributed monthly with water and

electricity accounts and to various points

throughout the capital.

Its title was chosen as aloe plants are

found on most of the capital’s surrounding

hills. The aloe is an enduring plant, which

owers even in periods of drought, and is

thus a tting symbol of the City’s resolve

to weather both good and bad times.

Over the years, Aloe has seen changes

in terms of its size, format and focus areas.

Apart from updating residents on major capital projects and relevant information

pertaining to the running of the City, its back page was, for a time, used to publish a

monthly calendar of sports and cultural events together with those of general interest.

Details of religious events and political gatherings were however specically excluded

due to their potentially divisive nature.

Fifteen years on, although much has changed, the essence and rationale of Aloe

remains the same: a direct communication channel between the City and residents,

who are also invited to use its pages, through letters to the editor, to air their concerns

and, indeed, their compliments to the City.

Over the years, we have received feedback from residents through letters, at public

meetings and as result of readership surveys, which have continued to shape and inform

our focus. The feedback received urged, among others, that we translate key topics

covered in the publication into local languages. It was also proposed that we reconsider

the paper quality used and that the monthly calendar of events be re-introduced.

The City, as residents are I am sure aware, continues to face ever increasing socio-

economic and nancial challenges. As writer Robin Sharma puts it in his famous book

on leadership, The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, “the signicant problems we face cannot

be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them” . continued on p3 Aloe Editor, Ndangi Katoma

Status symbols: WINGOC employees pose proudly with certicates to mark the award of ISO9001 (2000) status. Their efforts ensure that residents enjoy potable water of the highest quality,

reclaimed using state of the art modern technology.

Standard bearers: Addressing those gathered to celebrate award of ISO award of ISO 9001(2000) status is the City’s Strategic Executive: Infrastructure, Water and Technical Services,

P du Pisani. Seated at the high table are, left to right, City CEO N Taapopi, Councillor B Ekandjo, Chairman of WINGOC Board, G Leopold, and Councillor NA Smit



ALOE Aug 2006

INFORMATION ROUND-UP

DON’T DO IT: RESIDENTS WARNED

ON VANDALISM OF CITY PROPERTY

The intentional destruction of City property is a com-

mon law punishable crime. The City is obliged to

remind residents as a result of the recent malicious

damage to the wire fence along Dortmund Bridge in the

northern industrial area which has been vandalised, seem-

ingly, by residents of Okahandja Park and Okuryangava.

Although alternative thoroughfares have been put in

place to facilitate access to the area, such residents claim

that the erection of the Dortmund Bridge fence has created

access problems for those looking for casual work.

The City’s only aim in putting up the fence was, how-

ever, to reduce the increasing rate of accidents, particularly

those involving pedestrians, along the stretch of the main

road near the Dortmund Bridge.

The City would thus like to take this opportunity to

appeal to members of the community to make use of the

alternative pedestrian routes to the area the City has es-

tablished – and to not damage the fence.To reinforce this appeal, the City Police have also

stepped up operations with regard to the protection of all

municipal property, including the Dortmund Bridge fence

and have warned that anyone found vandalising this fence

will face the full force of the law.

Protection of City properties should not be the respon-

sibility of the City of Windhoek alone, but should be that

of all residents. Let’s take pride in our beautiful capital.Vandalised: The severely damaged fence near the Dortmund Bridge, which residents have cut to gain access to the Northern

Industrial Area, ignoring other ways they can reach their destination. The City Police are stepping up operations to safeguard such infrastructure – and to apprehend culprits

CITY HEADING FOR THE RECORD BOOKS WITH....

It is just weeks to go before Windhoek plays host to a record breaking attempt to stage

the world’s biggest braai.

Residents, particularly those of the meat-loving persuasion, should pencil 9 Sep-

tember into their diaries. For that day will see organisers geared up to cater for 44,159

people and thus ensure a place in the Guinness Book of Records.

The event is to be staged at the Sam Nujoma Stadium and will start at 7:00 am and

continue until the record is broken.

The braai is being held as an attempt to further promote the City and Namibia. Its

main sponsors are Meatco Namibia, the Trustco Group, Coca-Cola and the Renaissance Health Medical Aid Fund.

Ofcials from the City of Windhoek, including the City Police, Trafc, Fireand

Disaster Management Services and EMed Rescue 24 will all be there to ensure public

safety and that a good time is had by all.

Safety measures include the following:

Everyone will be searched for dangerous weapons and re arms before they enter

the turnstiles; No alcohol or alcoholic products will be allowed to be brought into the stadium

No alcohol or alcoholic products will be on sale at the event

Visitors will not be allowed to bring cool boxes, chairs or picnic baskets into the

stadium;

Anyone under the inuence of alcohol or other chemical substance will be denied

entry into the stadium;

Participants will each receive a certicate of participation, a boerewors brotchen

and a cooldrink.

To make it easier for everyone to get to the stadium, the City of Windhoek is laying

on 15 buses on the day running along 12 bus routes from 09:00 until 17:00. Bus rides

will be for free and will work on a s top-and-drop rotation system.

Planned bus routes are:

Okuryangava Route (Women’s Centre, Ombili, Hakahana)

Goreangab Route (Eveline Street, Monte Christo, Masthithi and Woerman Brock)

Otjomuise Route (Rocky Crest Shopping Centre, Otjomuise, Augustineum

School,CCN, Soweto Market)

Robert Mugabe Route (Robert Mugabe all bus stops, Centaurus High School,

Hidas Shopping Centre, Eros Shopping Centre, Eros Girls School)

Normal Katutura Route

For more information please contact Sindana Communications at:

telephone 302457 or log onto: www.worldsbiggestbraai.com.na.

BIGGEST BRAAI IN THE WORLD?

Festival boost: The Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre (FNCC) has generously donated N$15,000 to the City’s upcoming /Ae//Gams festival. Handing over the cheque to City of

Windhoek Mayor, Councillor Matheus Shikongo, is FNCC Director, Sébastian Lanoye. The FNCC has been actively involved the promotion of local arts and in support to local artists,

since its establishment in 1991. See news on the /Ae//Gams Festival on page 4.



ALOE Aug 2006

FOCUS ON MUNICIPAL ACCOUNTS

RESIDENTS GIVEN CHOICE OF NEW

PAYMENT METHOD OPTIONS

Did you know that you can pay your municipal

services account using one of the following op-

tions?

Internet banking

NamPost

First National Bank

City of Windhoek Cash Halls

Debit Cards

Credit Cards

But how do these work and what do resident need to

do? Aloe, this month, gives details of the various conve-

nient methods.

Internet bankingResidents can pay their accounts electronically, using

internet banking, entering the City’s banking details as

follows:

Bank Name: First National Bank

Branch Name: Windhoek Corporate Suite

Branch Number: 281872

Account Number: 55500033613

Beneciary Name: City of Windhoek

Beneciary Reference: Your municipal client/

invoice number

Please note that:

All Bank Windhoek clients should contact their bank’s

internet/electronic banking division for further assis-

tance should they wish to transfer payments to the City

of Windhoek.

The account number (55500033613) should only be

used for clients who are paying for not more than one

invoice or account

Only water/electricity and assessment rates accounts

may be transferred electronically

NamPostResidents can pay their accounts at NamPost outlets

countrywide.

Please note that:

Payments for one or more than one account/invoice can

be made at NamPost outlets either in cash or by cheque

made out to NamPost.

When making payments, clients are required to have

their account statements or correct account numbers

at hand.

The payment period remains the same, namely,

between the 1st and the 15th of each month, to prevent

unnecessary disconnection of services.

No enquiries regarding applications, accounts,

complaints, disputes or any other matter relating to

transactions between the City and its clients can be

handled by NamPost. These should be addresseddirectly to the City

First National BankResidents can pay their accounts at FNB branches

countrywide. This can be done by means of:

Electronic payments at any FNB ATM machine

countrywide

Over-the-counter payment and/or debit order at FNB

branches

Clients with FNB cards can also purchase pre-paid

electricity through FNB ATMs countrywide.

Debit and credit cardsResidents can pay their accounts a t the City of Wind-

hoek’s cash halls and various suburban ofces using debit

cards, credit cards, cheques or cash.

General enquiriesWhen paying through internet banking should you

notice that your payments are not reected when you

receive your new accounts, please feel free to contact the

City of Windhoek at the following telephone numbers:

290 2232 / 2139 / 2540 / 3011 or visit the City’s main

Townhouse cash hall and speak to the ofcer in charge of

internet/electronic payments.

When making queries in thisregard, please make sure that

you quote the following:Your municipal c lient/invoice number

Date of payment

City of Windhoek bank account number to which

payments were transferred

Specic amount transferred

Copy of your proof of payment

Without the above information, it will be

difcult for us to assist on internet/electronic

payment related queries.

What happens whenpayments cannot be traced

on the City’s records?Clients may be requested to produce the bank

statement where payment is reflected as

paid.

Residents are requested to analyse their bank

statements carefully and make sure that their

payments were not reversed by their respec-

tive banks before making their queries.

If residents realise that they did not make the

payments reecting on their accounts, they

should contact the City at the above telephone

numbers so that payments can be reversed on

time.

Residents are requested to pay their accounts

earlier, i.e., before the due date, when making

internet / electronic payments to avoid late

fee charges.

Residents are also requested to revisit their

ways of payment and make sure that your client/invoicenumber is clearly indicated.

If you are paying through stop orders through your

Thus we are delighted to announce that Aloe is

going to change! The City recently procured printing

machines for its various internal printing requirements,

to cut external printing costs, including those incurred in

the production of Aloe. As from September 2006, Aloe

will be printed in-house, on less expensive paper and in

a different size.

The Aloe back page monthly calendar of social

events will be re-introduced. And key articles will betranslated into local vernacular languages, as far as this is

practically possible.

I wish to take this opportunity, as we embark on this

new venture, to thank our readers, for their continuous

support, contribution and suggestions.

The City of Windhoek and the Aloe editorial team

appreciate the fact that doing the same thing every day

cannot deliver new results. Thus we need to change the

things we are doing.

The September edition Aloe edition will demonstrateour commitment to doing just that!

CHANGE IS ON THE HORIZON from p1

bank, please re-check if your beneciary reference

numbers are still indicated as such.But which ever method you use, the message remains

loud and clear: Pay your municipal service account!

Hi-tech: The new digital printer the City has invested in to facilitate its in-house print needs.Cllr H.M Iilonga (second left), Moses Taniseb, lithographer of the City (centre) and Mr

G Mayumbelo SE Economic Development & Commercial Service (right) look on as Tanisebexplains how the machine operates



ALOE Aug 2006

INFORMATION ROUND-UP

CITY PLAYGROUNDS

UPGRADED

PROPERTY RATES

EXPLAINED

The City has received various complaints about the state of some of the play parks in the

capital. To address these concerns within the limited resources at its disposal, a recent

tender was awarded for the upgrading of a number of playgrounds in Windhoek.

These include: the Visarend play park in Khomasdal, Oponganda play park in Okuryangava,

the Makkabeer play park in Katutura, Dorado Park play park, Olympia play park and the Koker -

boom play park in Cimbebasia

The upgrading will include the following. Existing playground equipment will be reposi-

tioned, benches will be introduced, water boxes will be supplied, interlocked pathways will be

laid, wooden timber see-saws will be replaced with new steel ones and roundabouts and slides

will be provided.

Upgrading has already started, so the capital’s children can look forward to a summer of safe

and enjoyable play.

Property can be registered in the following ways:Ordinary Transfer, through a Close Corporation or

through a Body Corporate.

Rates levied on rateable property are to be paid by

property owners to the City, from the date that the prop-

erty is registered with the Deeds Ofce. Revenue from

such rates is an important aspect of the City’s nances.

In order for the City to levy rates on a given property, it

has to receive the deed of transfer from the Deeds Ofce.

There are sometimes delays in this, beyond our control,

resulting in backdated charges having to be made. In

order to avoid this, property owners should ensure that

they do the following:

For an Ordinary transfer (transfer of property from

one individual to another), as soon as the property is reg-

istered in the buyer’s name, the buyer should provide the

City Rates and Taxes section with a letter from the legal practitioner/attorney effecting the transfer, conrming

that the property has been registered with the Deeds Of-

ce. Such letter must state the date the registration went

through. This will allow for a rates and taxes account for

the property to be opened.

However, if a property is purchased through a Close

Corporation, in addition to the above-mentioned transfer letter, the City must also be provided with the Amended

Founding Statement of the Close Corporation, indicating

the new member’s interest, in order to update the existing

account of that particular Close Corporation.

If a property registered in a Body Corporate is pur-

chased, please provide the Rates & Taxes section with

the transfer letter from the legal practitioner effecting the

transfer and your postal address, so that we can update

the current Body Corporate account. By doing this it

will enable us to mail you an original statement of the

combined Rates and Taxes account.

This account includes charges for the assessment

rate on site value, the assessment rate on improvement

value, the solid waste management charge (previously

referred to as the open space and street cleaning charge),

refuse removal and sewerage.For more information or for assistance with any

queries related to rates and taxes, please contact the

Rates and Taxes Section on the rst oor at the City

Townhouse head ofce or by telephoning the follow-

ing contact numbers: 290 2483, 290 2220, 290 2076,

290 2021 or 290 2644.

Playtime: Swings, slides, and soon roundabouts, will be a feature of the capital’s playgrounds following completion of a city-wide upgrade of these recreational facilities so vital to early childhood development

IT’S /AE//GAMS

FESTIVAL TIME

The /Ae//Gams Arts and CulturalFestival, which takes place

from 14-17 September this

year, is an annual event on both the

City of Windhoek and the Namibian

calendar. The Festival, which is now

in its (HOW LONG HAS IT BEEN

RUNNING?) year, is designed to create a platform on

which to reect Namibia’s multi-faceted cultural and artis-

tic traditions and to positively reinforce the capital’s public

image as a vibrant and dynamic centre of excellence.

An underlying objective of the annual event is to

encourage the preservation and respect of local culture,

by providing a forum to showcase the country’s rich and

diverse cultural traditions in a manner that both educates

and entertains.

The Festival is also a chance to showcase local talent

and to bring together local and international artists to

interact and share experiences

Festival activities will kick off at the Ehafo Parkade in

the central business district and the UN Plaza in Katutura.

Residents and visitors to the capital are invited to join in

this celebration of cultural diversity. Full details of the

jam-packed festival programme will be published in the

media.

The City of Windhoek together with four students from the Worcester Polytechnic Institute and TheUniversity of Science, Technology and Life in the United States recently conducted a three-month

survey on the need for Tourist Information Kiosks in Windhoek. Pictured here, (centre seated) is the City’s Manager: Corporate Communications and Tourism and Aloe Editor, Ndangi Katoma anked by students Robert Lavado, Melissa Byrne (left), Linsley Kelly

and Adam Basilio (right). Standing behind them are City tourism ofcials Manfred Gaeb,Constable Sadrach Katjiuanjo and Gladys Fernandez.

The City has produced a brochure outlining its 2006/7 Budget and

containing information on municipal developments and other issues

relating to budgetary matters. The brochure is available, free of charge,

at all of the City’s cash halls.

BUDGET BROCHURE

Documents

Aloe - August Issue 06