On Friday last week, a group calling themselves the Opuwo Community Concerned Group took to the streets of the town to air their dissatisfaction with the town’s CEO, whom they accused of holding back the development of the town for the past decade.
The group allege that there has been no development at Opuwo since 2006, when the town council appointed Alfons Tjitombo as CEO. They say Tjitombo has failed to fill key positions in the council, which has delayed development of the town. “The town council has eight vital positions that have not been filled for a long time, namely: technical manager, finance manager, town planner, building inspector, environmental health officer, fire fighter, public relations officer and the CEO’s personal assistant.
“This is the reason why development in our town is slow because the town council does not have the required staff to carry out its functions effectively and efficiently,” the petition reads.
The group charge that the town has had no improvement in its roads, public toilets, open market or shopping and recreational facilities, and the town is dirty.
The group also accused the town council of failing to recover N$2.5 million which was paid to businessman Veikko Haimbodi of Dolly Investment during the 2013/14 financial year to procure material from South Africa to construct a N$4.6 million storm-water drainage system. Allegedly, this was never purchased. In November 2014, the town council revoked the tender and awarded it to another company that completed the work less than two months.
“We are peacefully requesting that the CEO’s contract not be reviewed, but we would like the councillors to investigate him and his dealings. We need officials that have the residents at heart. We would like a response within 30 days, and failure to do so will cause us to take the next step.”
The mayor of Opuwo, Albert Tjiuma, received the petition from Kauta Tjijenda, chairperson of the group.
Tjiuma told Namibian Sun that he had studied the document and would consult his fellow councillors. “I have received the petition and I have called an extraordinary meeting for this week which will then respond to the petition’s allegations,” said Tjiuma.
When contacted for comment, Tjitombo said he was instructed by Tjiuma not to comment on the matter.
ILENI NANDJATO