Adolf Kaure
The City of Windhoek (CoW) announced progress made in its People-Centred City Strategy and procurement of skip containers, as well as reduction in crime in the first six months of 2026.
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CoW
Windhoek mayor Sakarias Uunona announced during the latest ordinary Council that the strategy, developed with UN-Habitat, through the support of the UNITAC Project, is roadmap will guide their efforts to become a more inclusive, innovative, resilient and sustainable city.
The strategy prioritises citizens in digital transformation, using technology and data to improve service delivery, enhance citizen participation, strengthen urban governance, and raise residents’ quality of life.
Once adopted, it will provide a clear framework for leveraging smart solutions to address urban challenges and promote sustainable development, positioning Windhoek as a leading smart city in Africa.
The first phase of the fibre optic commercialisation project, completed with specialised advisors, has mapped sustainable business models and identified key market opportunities.
These steps have prepared the network to become a commercially viable, future-ready digital platform.
As a result, municipal revenue streams are expected to grow, connectivity has improved in pilot areas, and Windhoek is better positioned to implement the people-centred smart city strategy, said Uunona.
The upgraded infrastructure has attracted new digital service providers and fostered innovation, advancing Windhoek as a smart city hub.
35 skip containers
CoW procured 35 skip containers in January, of which five were distributed across different areas in Havana.
The procurement process is currently underway to procure an additional 50 skips during the next financial year, and the focus will be Havana, with around 20 skips envisaged to be distributed around Havana.
Reduction in crime
According to statistics, house break-ins reduced by 27%, business break-ins by 1%, theft by 7%, robberies by 22%, murders by 14%, and attempted murders by 10%.
The drop in house break-ins is attributed to increased security awareness, active neighbourhood watch groups, and the use of technology under the Safer City Strategy.
However, the mayor added that incidents still occur, often linked to unattended properties and inadequate security measures.
CoW stated that while progress is evident, addressing root causes – such as substance abuse, social challenges, and opportunistic crime – remains essential.
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