Viljoen highlights progress, challenges during first 100 days in office

ARANOS, 02 JUN (NAMPA) – The Aranos Town Council has prioritised continuity by advancing key infrastructure projects, including the construction of 27 houses and the servicing of 386 residential plots, during its first 100 days in office.
The council's chairperson, Jacoba Viljoen, told Nampa this week that while most of the projects were inherited from the previous administration, they have continued under the current leadership because “leadership is about continuity.”
Reflecting on her first 100 days in office, Viljoen described the experience as “intense, humbling and energising”, saying it had highlighted both the challenges and opportunities of local governance.
“The most surprising reality is that what council looks like from outside is totally different from what it is in reality,” she said.
Viljoen noted that the council initially focused on implementing its political mandate in line with the Local Authorities Act, while ensuring priorities align with national development goals and community needs.
Among the council’s immediate priorities are restoring public trust and transparency, improving water and sanitation services, maintaining roads and public infrastructure, promoting youth participation, and strengthening the institution’s financial position.
While acknowledging that not all commitments have been achieved within the first 100 days, she said progress has been made towards laying a foundation for future development.
“We are heading towards the intended purposes,” she said.
Viljoen attributed delays in some projects to funding constraints, procurement procedures, regulatory requirements and limited implementation capacity. Emergency service delivery challenges have also forced the council to redirect resources to urgent matters.
She added that inadequate funding, dependence on central government for capital projects, and skills shortages among staff remain some of the council’s biggest challenges.
Residents have mainly raised concerns about access to basic services, land ownership and the cleanliness of the town. In response, the council has prioritised the formalisation of informal settlements and improved access to services.
Viljoen further revealed that the council plans to launch a water reticulation project in the Veespos informal settlement using internal funding, while discussions with investors are underway on urban agriculture initiatives.
She said the council remains committed to strengthening community engagement and ensuring promises made to residents translate into visible results.
“We do not want to be talkers, we want our promises to become a testimony of reality to the inhabitants of Aranos,” she said.
(NAMPA)
GJ/HP/AS