Lüderitz mayor backs proposed introduction of neighbourhood-watch levy

A proposal to introduce a N$5 monthly levy on residential properties in Lüderitz to help fund neighbourhood-watch activities has received support from the town’s mayor and municipal public relations officer.

Dirkie Stevens raised the idea in a community group chat, asking the town council to consider the levy as a way of providing sustainable funding for community safety initiatives and strengthening co-operation between residents, neighbourhood-watch members and the Namibian Police.

Lüderitz Mayor Brigitte Fredericks and municipal public relations officer Elwin !Goaseb welcomed the proposal in their personal capacities. Fredericks advised Stevens to submit it formally to the council for consideration. “We will definitely take a look at it once he submits it. The neighbourhood watch is a voluntary association, and such support would ease the financial burden it carries,” Fredericks said. She added that the council had budgeted for and made funds available to the Safety and Security Cluster.

Stevens said he intended to submit a written proposal before the end of this week for consideration. “The purpose of the proposal is to establish a sustainable source of funding for neighbourhood-watch activities aimed at improving community safety, preventing crime and supporting co-operation between residents, neighbourhood-watch members and the Namibian Police. I would appreciate guidance on the steps required to implement the initiative,” he said.

The proposed levy would amount to N$5 a month, or N$60 a year, for each eligible residential property, regardless of whether its occupants participate directly in neighbourhood-watch patrols. “This would ensure that the responsibility for supporting community safety is shared across the community,” Stevens said.

He said the combined contributions could make a meaningful difference to neighbourhood-watch operations, despite the relatively small amount payable by each property owner. Subject to an approved budget, the funds could be used to buy patrol equipment, reflective safety clothing, communication radios, torches and other essential safety items. They could also help cover approved transport costs for patrols, operating expenses and other authorised crime-prevention initiatives.

Stevens called on the council to investigate the legal and administrative requirements for implementing the proposal, including whether the levy could be collected through the existing municipal billing system, alongside other municipal charges. He also proposed that the funds be accounted for separately, where legally permissible, and that regular financial reports be made available to ensure transparency and accountability to residents. “I believe that a properly structured neighbourhood-watch funding initiative could strengthen crime prevention, promote community participation and contribute towards making Lüderitz a safer place for residents and businesses,” Stevens said.

Manfred Anderson, chairperson of the Lüderitz Neighbourhood Watch and deputy chairperson of the town’s Safety and Security Cluster, also welcomed the proposal. “We already have individuals contributing and appreciate any form of assistance,” he said.