Renthia Kaimbi
The municipality of Walvis Bay has opened the upgraded Independence Beach Promenade and launched a new e-governance tool called “Ovakalimo”.
Both initiatives come from the European Union co-funded Erongo Sustainable Governance project, implemented with the municipality of Czerwonak in Poland.
The promenade reopening shows the physical changes made to the public space.
The launch of Ovakalimo marks a shift toward more direct engagement between residents and the municipality.
The projects share one goal: building safer and more inclusive communities through participatory governance.
The redesigned promenade follows new European Bauhaus principles. The space now serves as a multifunctional public area focused on sustainable greening, zero waste, and environmentally conscious design.
Key upgrades include refurbished braai and ablution facilities, improved walkways, an upgraded children’s play park, and solar-powered lighting.
New features include a wheelchair-accessible ramp to the beach, outdoor showers, and outdoor gym equipment. The main stage is still under construction, with more upgrades planned in phases.
Walvis Bay mayor Trevino Forbes, Czerwonak mayor Marcin Wojtkowiak, European Union ambassador to Namibia Ana Beatriz Martins and Polish ambassador Jacek Chodorowicz delivered remarks at the opening.
Alongside the physical improvements, the municipality introduced the Ovakalimo digital platform.
The name, taken from the Oshiwambo word for “inhabitants,” reflects its focus on the people of Walvis Bay. The platform allows residents to report community issues directly to municipal departments and aims to create faster and clearer communication between the town and its residents.
Officials say the tool supports transparency and accountability and will continue to be updated with new features to improve workflows.
The upgraded beachfront is the result of community input and international best practices, while the digital platform gives residents a simple way to help shape and maintain their town.
