Luanda Town has officially attained municipality status after Vihiga Governor Dr.Wilber Ottichilo signed the charter in line with Urban Areas and Cities Act, No. 13 of 2011.
The colourful ceremony held at Mulukhoro Grounds in Luanda marks a major milestone in the county’s urban development agenda and positions Luanda for improved governance, enhanced service delivery and sustainable socio-economic growth.
Speaking during the event, Dr. Ottichilo described the conferment as a historic achievement that provides a legal and administrative framework for better planning and management of the rapidly growing urban centre.
He said the municipality will strengthen service delivery by enabling better planning of infrastructure, public utilities and social amenities while creating an environment that attracts investment, promotes business growth and improves the quality of life for residents.
“The municipality status is not an end in itself but the beginning of a new chapter in the transformation of Luanda Town. It gives us an opportunity to plan our urban growth properly and deliver efficient services that meet the needs of our people,” the governor said.
He urged residents to actively support the success of the municipality by protecting public infrastructure, maintaining a clean environment, paying approved rates and service charges where applicable, and participating in decision-making processes through public engagement forums.
The Governor further emphasized that responsible citizenship and accountability will be key to ensuring that the municipality delivers meaningful and lasting benefits to present and future generations.
The conferment followed the procedures stipulated under Section 9 of the Urban Areas and Cities Act, including the preparation of relevant documentation, stakeholder consultations and extensive public participation to establish Luanda’s readiness to assume municipal responsibilities.
The new municipality is expected to significantly improve access to essential public services through better urban planning and coordinated development.
Residents are set to benefit from improved waste management systems, enhanced street lighting, better organized markets and trading spaces, upgraded roads and drainage infrastructure, expanded public utilities and increased opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship and private investment.
The municipality will also strengthen public participation by providing structured platforms through which residents will contribute to planning and decision-making on development priorities.
Luanda Municipality will comprise the sub-locations of Emmaloba, Maseno, Ebwiranyi, Ekwanda, Esabalu, Mwitubwi, Ebutanyi, Essiandumba, Itumbi, Ebusikhale, Ebusiralo, Ebusakami, Ebuhando, Ebulonga, Esianda, Ebusundi and Iboona.
Speaking at the ceremony, County Executive Committee Member for Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development Prof. Mike Iravo said the municipality status would provide a stronger institutional framework for coordinated urban planning and attract more development partners and investors to Luanda.
Chief Officer for Physical Planning, Lands, Housing and Urban Development Victor Kivaya Cheye noted that the municipality will facilitate more efficient planning and implementation of development projects while improving the management of public resources and urban infrastructure.
The ceremony brought together Speaker of the County Assembly Christopher Omulele, Members of Parliament, Members of the County Assembly, County Executive Committee Members, Chief Officers from various departments, religious leaders, elders, representatives of development partners, business leaders and hundreds of residents who welcomed the elevation of Luanda into a municipality.
The conferment of municipality status is expected to accelerate Luanda’s transformation into a modern, well-planned urban centre capable of supporting economic growth, expanding business opportunities and improving the welfare of residents across Vihiga County.
by Kelly Barasa and Maureen Imbayi
