MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR THE RESIDENTS OF WINDHOEK

ISSUE 8 AUGUST 2006

WINGOC GAINS ISO 9001 (2000) STATUS

amibia 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 Windhoeks 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, Germanys 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 purified by means of a multiple-barrier treatment sequence using modern technology to produce potable water of internationally accepted quality. WINGOC is now ISO 9001 (2000) certified. Certification was awarded by the International French Certification Company, Bureau Veritas (BVQI). The certification 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 financial resource management. Potable reuse, despite its potential difficulties, 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 certification in potable water production, a recent mayoral function was organised at the new Goreangab Water Reclamation Plant at which the ISO 9001 certificate 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 final 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 improving 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.

Status symbols: WINGOC employees pose proudly with certificates to mark the award of ISO 9001 (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 Citys 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

EDITORIAL: CHANGE IS ON THE HORIZON

Aloe Editor, Ndangi Katoma

loe first appeared in May 1991. The publication was born to further enable the City to communicate 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 capitals surrounding hills. The aloe is an enduring plant, which flowers even in periods of drought, and is thus a fitting symbol of the Citys 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 specifically 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 socioeconomic and financial challenges. As writer Robin Sharma puts it in his famous book on leadership, The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, the significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them. continued on p3

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 citys information dissemination process. Letters can be addressed to: The Editor Aloe, PO Box 59, Windhoek, Email: communication@windhoekcc.org.na, Log on to website: www.windhoekcc.org.na

INFORMATION ROUND-UP

DONT DO IT: RESIDENTS WARNED ON VANDALISM OF CITY PROPERTY

he intentional destruction of City property is a common 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, seemingly, 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 Citys only aim in putting up the fence was, however, 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 established 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 responsibility of the City of Windhoek alone, but should be that of all residents. Lets 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....

BIGGEST BRAAI IN THE WORLD?

t is just weeks to go before Windhoek plays host to a record breaking attempt to stage the worlds biggest braai. Residents, particularly those of the meat-loving persuasion, should pencil 9 September 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. Officials from the City of Windhoek, including the City Police, Traffic, 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 fire 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 influence of alcohol or other chemical substance will be denied entry into the stadium; Participants will each receive a certificate 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 stop-and-drop rotation system. Planned bus routes are: Okuryangava Route (Womens 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

Festival boost: The Franco-Namibian Cultural Centre (FNCC) has generously donated N$15,000 to the Citys upcoming /Ae//Gams festival. Handing over the cheque to City of Windhoek Mayor, Councillor Matheus Shikongo, is FNCC Director, Sbastian 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.

For more information please contact Sindana Communications at: telephone 302457 or log onto: www.worldsbiggestbraai.com.na.
ALOE Aug 2006

FOCUS ON MUNICIPAL ACCOUNTS

RESIDENTS GIVEN CHOICE OF NEW PAYMENT METHOD OPTIONS

id you know that you can pay your municipal services account using one of the following options? 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 convenient methods.

When making queries in this regard, please make sure that you quote the following:

Internet banking

Your municipal client/invoice number Date of payment City of Windhoek bank account number to which payments were transferred Specific amount transferred Copy of your proof of payment Without the above information, it will be difficult for us to assist on internet/electronic payment related queries.

Residents can pay their accounts electronically, using internet banking, entering the Citys banking details as follows: Bank Name: First National Bank Branch Name: Windhoek Corporate Suite Branch Number: 281872 Account Number: 55500033613 Beneficiary Name: City of Windhoek Beneficiary Reference: Your municipal client/ invoice number Please note that: All Bank Windhoek clients should contact their banks internet/electronic banking division for further assistance 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

What happens when payments cannot be traced on the Citys records?

NamPost

Residents 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 addressed directly to the City

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 respective banks before making their queries. If residents realise that they did not make the payments reflecting 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/invoice number is clearly indicated. If you are paying through stop orders through your

bank, please re-check if your beneficiary reference numbers are still indicated as such. But which ever method you use, the message remains loud and clear: Pay your municipal service account!

CHANGE IS ON THE HORIZON

from p1 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 be translated 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 demonstrate our commitment to doing just that!

First National Bank

Residents 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 cards

Residents can pay their accounts at the City of Windhoeks cash halls and various suburban offices using debit cards, credit cards, cheques or cash.

General enquiries

When paying through internet banking should you notice that your payments are not reflected 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 Citys main Townhouse cash hall and speak to the officer in charge of internet/electronic payments. ALOE Aug 2006

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 Taniseb explains how the machine operates

INFORMATION ROUND-UP

PROPERTY RATES EXPLAINED

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 members interest, in order to update the existing account of that particular Close Corporation. If a property registered in a Body Corporate is purchased, 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 first floor at the City Townhouse head office or by telephoning the following contact numbers: 290 2483, 290 2220, 290 2076, 290 2021 or 290 2644.

roperty 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 property is registered with the Deeds Office. Revenue from such rates is an important aspect of the Citys finances. In order for the City to levy rates on a given property, it has to receive the deed of transfer from the Deeds Office. 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 registered in the buyers name, the buyer should provide the City Rates and Taxes section with a letter from the legal practitioner/attorney effecting the transfer, confirming that the property has been registered with the Deeds Office. 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

ITS /AE//GAMS FESTIVAL TIME

he /Ae//Gams Arts and Cultural Festival, 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 reflect Namibias multi-faceted cultural and artistic traditions and to positively reinforce the capitals 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 countrys 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.

CITY PLAYGROUNDS UPGRADED

he 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 Kokerboom play park in Cimbebasia The upgrading will include the following. Existing playground equipment will be repositioned, 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 capitals children can look forward to a summer of safe and enjoyable play.
Playtime: Swings, slides, and soon roundabouts, will be a feature of the capitals playgrounds following completion of a city-wide upgrade of these recreational facilities so vital to early childhood development

BUDGET BROCHURE

The City of Windhoek together with four students from the Worcester Polytechnic Institute and The University 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 Citys Manager: Corporate Communications and Tourism and Aloe Editor, Ndangi Katoma flanked by students Robert Lavado, Melissa Byrne (left), Linsley Kelly and Adam Basilio (right). Standing behind them are City tourism officials 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 Citys cash halls. ALOE Aug 2006