Residents accuse Okahandja municipality of systemic failures
The allegations are directed at members of the procurement board and senior management, including the Chief Executive Officer (CEO); the Strategic Executive: Finance, IT & Asset Management; the Manager: Finance and Asset Management; the Manager: Civil; the Manager: Human Resources & Corporate Services; and the Manager: Environmental Health & Emergency Services.
Residents allege that decisions affecting their lives are made behind closed doors, without proper consultation between the Council and residents. According to the concerned group, this reflects a management structure that is disconnected, unaccountable and indifferent to the suffering of ordinary people.
The CEO, Alphons Tjitombo, has come under fire for living in Windhoek and being largely absent from the municipality. Residents argue that a leader who does not engage directly with staff or walk the streets to assess living conditions cannot lead effectively.
Allegations further suggest that major decisions with social impact have been taken without Council oversight, while residents reportedly face rude and dismissive treatment when raising concerns.
Concerns have also been raised about human resources practices. It is claimed that employment contracts are at times not signed by both the CEO and the Manager: Human Resources & Corporate Services, yet staff allegedly commence work. Residents warn that such negligence could expose the municipality to legal action. Furthermore, they allege that the youth of Okahandja remain unemployed, while workers from other towns are reportedly recruited, which is viewed as a betrayal of local opportunities.
Residents further claim that municipal vehicles are used for private errands without logbooks, contributing to high fuel and maintenance costs. Incidents such as an overturned vehicle and prolonged, unaddressed damage to vehicles have been reported.
Additional allegations include organised sand-mining theft, the construction of a park in front of a senior staff member’s residence instead of in high-need areas, corrugated iron sheets allegedly removed from the municipal swimming pool, and the misappropriation of computer equipment.
The group also reports open sewerage, filth in several suburbs, and inadequate toilet facilities in Saamstan, creating unsafe and undignified living conditions. Roads are said to be in poor condition, causing vehicle damage and financial strain on families.
Essential services are also under scrutiny. Senior residents told Network Media Hub (NMH) that Redforce is cutting water supplies without engagement. “Why must Redforce cut our water after the minister said that it [the contract] should come to an end?” asked an elderly man who requested anonymity.
Reaction
In response, Public Relations Officer Master Penna, through the Office of the CEO, said the municipality has taken note of the allegations submitted by the group of residents concerning the chief executive and the general operations of the municipality. The municipality further stated that the allegations are baseless and appear aimed at tarnishing the image and integrity of the organisation and its leadership.
Regarding the allegation that workers are brought in from other towns, the municipality stated that this is not true. Recruitment, it said, is guided strictly by Namibian laws and policies, and any Namibian citizen is eligible to apply for advertised positions, in line with the national ethos of “One Namibia, One Nation”.
On the allegation that no logbooks are used to monitor municipal vehicles, the municipality described the claim as baseless and misleading, stating that systems are in place to manage and monitor vehicle usage, including measures to control fuel consumption and maintenance.
The municipality further rejected the claim that a park was constructed in front of the residence of a senior staff member, stating that the park was planned and approved for its current location in accordance with municipal planning processes.
With regard to the allegation that corrugated iron sheets removed from the municipal swimming pool were reserved for private use by senior staff members, the municipality stated that these claims are unsubstantiated and unsupported by evidence, and that all municipal property is properly secured and stored at official municipal facilities.
On concerns regarding Redforce cutting water supplies without meaningful engagement, the municipality said it is aware of the issues raised and advised residents to contact Redforce directly.
However, the Concerned Inhabitants Group of Okahandja says it is no longer asking to be heard; it is demanding action. - [email protected]
