Walvis Bay Mayor Johannes Shimbilinga used an Ordinary Council Meeting on Tuesday, 28 April 2026 to address a string of pressing issues facing the town, from persistent fires at the municipal landfill to the relocation of informal traders and delays in project delivery.
On the landfill fires, the mayor was direct about where the council stands.
“Council is aware of the ongoing fire incidents at the landfill site. Addressing the situation remains a priority, and steps are being taken to strengthen control and improve management of the site,” Shimbilinga said. 
He pointed to unlawful occupation of the landfill as a key driver of the recurring fires, saying it disrupts normal site operations. As an immediate response, the disposal of tyres at the landfill has been stopped with immediate effect, as part of broader efforts to curb tyre-burning incidents. Businesses have been urged to take responsibility for environmentally responsible tyre disposal, and residents and stakeholders have been encouraged to put forward sustainable solutions.
The municipality is also working closely with the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism on matters related to land within the Dorob National Park, with a process underway to transfer the relevant portion of land to improve oversight and long-term management of the site.
On the relocation of informal traders, Shimbilinga reported solid progress following a multi-stakeholder meeting held on 10 April 2026. A proposed site in Kuisebmond is nearly ready.
“As of today, the site is approximately 90% ready. Outstanding work is limited to final levelling, and additional sand placement is scheduled for 28 to 29 April 2026,” he said.
Allocation of trading spaces is expected to be wrapped up by 30 April 2026, after which an orderly relocation process will be carried out in collaboration with the Work Together Association.
The mayor also tackled the issue of delays in municipal project implementation, explaining that objections raised during procurement processes can bring timelines to a halt.
“When a contracting authority issues the notification triggering the seven-day standstill, any bidder who lodges an objection within that period prevents the contract award or signature from proceeding until the objection is resolved,” Shimbilinga explained, adding that while the process promotes transparency and fairness, it can slow down project execution when objections are raised or upheld.
Shimbilinga also reflected on his recent attendance at the Second Africa Urban Forum in Nairobi, Kenya, where he led the Namibian delegation. The forum ended with the adoption of the Nairobi Declaration, which sets out shared priorities for sustainable housing and urban development across the continent. A full report on the engagement will be presented to Council at the next meeting and then forwarded to the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development.
Closing the meeting, the mayor urged businesses and institutions in Walvis Bay to comply with Cabinet directives on displaying national symbols, including portraits of the President and Founding President, as well as the Namibian and African Union flags.
