Omuthiya bosses ignore Sankwasa’s warning against Asian trip
Minister cited huge cost of journey
Omuthiya town council executives recently travelled to Malaysia and the Philippines, a trip that urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa had just refused to approve for councillors, citing “huge financial implications.”
Chief Executive Officer Petrus Shuuya defended the decision, explaining that while councillors require ministerial approval for overseas trips, council staff members only need authorisation from the management committee. “All processes were exercised, and the staff trip was undertaken fully within the parameters of the law,” Shuuya said.
The trip, held from 26 September to 2 October 2025, formed part of a knowledge exchange programme following invitations from Aerogya Technologies Sdn Bhd and Hulina Offshore Energy Pty Ltd. According to Shuuya, the visit aimed to strengthen Omuthiya’s technological capacity, improve service delivery, and attract investment.
In contrast, Sankwasa had refused approval for councillors’ travel in a letter to then mayor Beata Nashongo. “I have taken note of your travelling request and do not grant approval,” he wrote, warning that it would worsen the council’s already distressed operating costs and constitute unauthorised expenditure.
Internal approval
Shuuya cited a resolution passed during an August 2025 council meeting, as formal approval for the staff trip. He explained that the council’s internal procedures clearly differentiate between councillors and staff when it comes to overseas travel.
Councillors are required to obtain ministerial approval for any international trips, even if they are fully sponsored, reflecting the heightened accountability expected of elected officials. In contrast, council staff members can travel abroad if their trips are approved internally by the management committee, in line with a August 2023 travel circular.
Shuuya emphasised that all travel decisions were made in accordance with the council’s legal framework and internal procedures, underlining that the staff trip fully complied with the rules. He stressed that these guidelines ensure proper oversight while allowing the council to pursue development initiatives through staff-led international exchanges.
Strategic value of the visit
While Shuuya could not fully explain why the executives proceeded after councillors were blocked, he stressed the strategic importance of the trip for Omuthiya’s development goals. “The visit contributes to improved infrastructure, job creation, and better service delivery for residents and investors,” he said. “All travel decisions are guided by the town’s strategic plan, which prioritises growth, technology adoption, and investor readiness.”
Sankwasa raised concerns over the funding of the trip, noting that Omuthiya has lacked an approved budget for the past three years. Shuuya responded that the trip was financed within the current financial year’s allocations, which had been submitted to the ministry via the Oshikoto regional council in accordance with Section 83 of the Local Authority Act. “Records are available as proof,” he said, but he acknowledged that the ministry has yet to approve the budgets.
Sankwasa reiterated in a telephonic interview this week that no council is exempt from the rules, warning that unapproved trips must be refunded. He also questioned which funds were used for the trip given the absence of ministerial budget approval.
Councillors had formally applied for permission to attend the programme in a letter dated 3 September 2025. While their request was denied, the executive team argued that the visit aligned with Omuthiya’s long-term development strategy and proceeded under internal council approval.
Chief Executive Officer Petrus Shuuya defended the decision, explaining that while councillors require ministerial approval for overseas trips, council staff members only need authorisation from the management committee. “All processes were exercised, and the staff trip was undertaken fully within the parameters of the law,” Shuuya said.
The trip, held from 26 September to 2 October 2025, formed part of a knowledge exchange programme following invitations from Aerogya Technologies Sdn Bhd and Hulina Offshore Energy Pty Ltd. According to Shuuya, the visit aimed to strengthen Omuthiya’s technological capacity, improve service delivery, and attract investment.
In contrast, Sankwasa had refused approval for councillors’ travel in a letter to then mayor Beata Nashongo. “I have taken note of your travelling request and do not grant approval,” he wrote, warning that it would worsen the council’s already distressed operating costs and constitute unauthorised expenditure.
Internal approval
Shuuya cited a resolution passed during an August 2025 council meeting, as formal approval for the staff trip. He explained that the council’s internal procedures clearly differentiate between councillors and staff when it comes to overseas travel.
Councillors are required to obtain ministerial approval for any international trips, even if they are fully sponsored, reflecting the heightened accountability expected of elected officials. In contrast, council staff members can travel abroad if their trips are approved internally by the management committee, in line with a August 2023 travel circular.
Shuuya emphasised that all travel decisions were made in accordance with the council’s legal framework and internal procedures, underlining that the staff trip fully complied with the rules. He stressed that these guidelines ensure proper oversight while allowing the council to pursue development initiatives through staff-led international exchanges.
Strategic value of the visit
While Shuuya could not fully explain why the executives proceeded after councillors were blocked, he stressed the strategic importance of the trip for Omuthiya’s development goals. “The visit contributes to improved infrastructure, job creation, and better service delivery for residents and investors,” he said. “All travel decisions are guided by the town’s strategic plan, which prioritises growth, technology adoption, and investor readiness.”
Sankwasa raised concerns over the funding of the trip, noting that Omuthiya has lacked an approved budget for the past three years. Shuuya responded that the trip was financed within the current financial year’s allocations, which had been submitted to the ministry via the Oshikoto regional council in accordance with Section 83 of the Local Authority Act. “Records are available as proof,” he said, but he acknowledged that the ministry has yet to approve the budgets.
Sankwasa reiterated in a telephonic interview this week that no council is exempt from the rules, warning that unapproved trips must be refunded. He also questioned which funds were used for the trip given the absence of ministerial budget approval.
Councillors had formally applied for permission to attend the programme in a letter dated 3 September 2025. While their request was denied, the executive team argued that the visit aligned with Omuthiya’s long-term development strategy and proceeded under internal council approval.
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