The City of Windhoek (CoW) on Friday raised N.dollars 280 000 in pledges from various corporates, business personalities and politicians at a fundraising gala dinner held for the Windhoek Residents Mayoral Trust Fund.

The highest pledge was made by the Office of the First Lady (FLON), which pledged N.dollars 50 000.

In a keynote speech read on his behalf, Urban and Rural Development Minister, Erastus Utoni, said the funds raised will play a pivotal role in shaping the lives of the residents of Windhoek, by enhancing educational opportunities, improving healthcare access and providing assistance to vulnerable persons.

The Minister added that the Mayor will also allocate grants at his discretion, as part of community development.

“Again, the fund, I believe will greatly assist members of the community in extreme need of food, shelter and housing, clothing, medical costs, school uniforms, basic municipal services such as water, electricity and sanitation and other crisis or disaster relief situations and emergencies as deemed by the Mayor,” Utoni said.

Meanwhile, in his remarks, CoW Mayor Joseph Uapingene emphasised the power of collaboration and partnerships.

“The Windhoek Mayoral Trust has long been a pillar of strength for our city and focuses on interventions such as the provision of educational support to tertiary students, hosting of the annual Mayoral Christmas lunch for elders and support to our most vulnerable residents with basic needs, ”Uapingene said.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency