Oshakati — Ondangwa Town Council mayor Leonard Negonga and deputy mayor Helena Mundjele were re-elected to their positions recently. The chairperson of the Management Committee, Kristain Iitope, also remains in his position, as is Maria Samuel the ordinary member of council.

Elia Irimari was elected as the newest member of the council, while Priskilla Kauna Nashandi took over the position of the deputy chairperson of the Management Committee. Nashandi is a former mayor and was an ordinary member of the council.

The deputy chair's position went vacant after the death of councillor Erestine Nafuka about a month ago.

In his acceptance speech, Negonga said it is time for Ondangwa to work towards improving its status from town council to a municipality, and this can only be attained if the council improves its revenue collection.

According to Negonga, although development at Ondangwa is now visible, the council still faces challenges. He wants to ensure that the pace of hard work is maintained in order to sustain the growth, development and prosperity of the town.

The mayor added that the town is facing a huge housing backlog and a growing population of people living in informal settlements.

He said the provision of adequate housing for low income earners remains a priority of the council.