The Henties Bay Municipality has tabled a budget of close to N$233 million for the 2025/26 financial year, focusing on infrastructure development, improved service delivery, and socio-economic upliftment.

The town continues to face major challenges, including high youth unemployment, a lack of serviced land, ageing infrastructure—particularly the sewer system—and limited economic diversification.

Chairperson of the management committee, Michael Skini, presented the budget, noting that nearly N$147 million has been earmarked specifically for capital projects aimed at addressing these issues.

Skini said N$48 million will go toward the construction of roads in Extension 12, while N$20 million is set aside for upgrading the town’s treatment plant.

Phase one of the prepaid water meter installation project will receive N$15 million—the third-largest allocation in the capital budget. The municipality will also spend N$12 million on the procurement of municipal vehicles and heavy equipment.

Other planned projects include the N$11 million replacement of a septic tank at Omdel, a N$3 million upgrade of the sports field, and another N$3 million for servicing agricultural small holdings. The brick-making project for low-cost housing will receive N$2.5 million.

"This budget will not only improve the quality of life of our community members but will also unlock opportunities for businesses, tourism, housing and youth empowerment," said Skini. "This budget is more than just figures on paper. It is a manifesto of intent, a commitment by this leadership to uplift our town, modernise our infrastructure and pave way for better, more inclusive Henties Bay."

Skini noted that council will fund N$78 million of the capital budget, while central government will contribute N$64 million. The Road Fund Administration will provide an additional N$4 million.

The mayor of Henties Bay welcomed the budget, pledging continued advocacy for additional resources.

"As the mayor I accept the budget for the fiscal year 25/26 and I will make sure that efforts will be implemented in the time that's left for us," he said. "Like we did before, we were many times in the offices of the ministers to get more budget, and we will still do it until our time is running out—go to Windhoek and beg for more money for Henties Bay."

Of the total N$233 million budget, an estimated N$86 million has been allocated for operational costs, ensuring the continued delivery of essential services such as refuse collection, water supply, and sanitation.