Walvis mayor urges patience on Redforce issue

Walvis Bay mayor Trevino Forbes says a report detailing how Redforce Debt Management was appointed at the town has been sent to the urban development ministry for review, adding that there’s no need for councillors to be divided on the matter pending the ministry’s pronouncement. Forbes and the chairperson of the management committee, Richard Hoaeb, held a press conference last Friday to address the controversy surrounding the debt-collection company, which has left the municipality and residents divided.Following two public petitions and a motion to terminate Redforce’s services, an investigation into its appointment was launched. This matter is currently before the High Court.Forbes said the Walvis Bay council comprises members from various political affiliations and parties, which naturally leads to differing opinions. “However, this difference of opinion should not hinder the progress of service delivery to our residents, and I can assure you it doesn&#039;t hamper the delivery of services to our residents. Regardless of our political affiliations, our goal remains the same: To provide the best possible services and treatment to the people of Walvis Bay”.He added that recent public statements by individual councillors reflect their personal views and not the council&#039;s position. “We have procedures to follow for public statements, and these should be made through the chairperson of the council, which is myself, elected by the council and the public.” ‘Not politically motivated’Asked who was responsible for the company’s appointment, Hoaeb explained that Redforce was appointed administratively through the Procurement Act, without a council resolution. “The accounting officer, as head of procurement, executed this under the credit control policy and delegated powers within the finance department or CEO’s office.”He clarified that the council was not involved in the procurement process, which is managed internally by the procurement board. Forbes added that the council had pressured the finance department to find ways to increase revenue due to dissatisfaction with quarterly financial reports, leading to the strict implementation of the credit control policy.The mayor stressed that Redforce&#039;s appointment was not politically motivated. “Redforce was not appointed or recommended by any political party, to my knowledge. It should not be used as a political tool.”Meanwhile, Forbes on Friday announced the appointment of Victoria Kapenda, currently the CEO of the Tsumeb municipality, as the harbour town’s new head, starting 1 August. David Uushona will serve as acting CEO until her arrival.‘We’re good!’Since Redforce’s appointment, significant funds have been raised for service delivery, though Forbes acknowledged the controversy surrounding the company’s methods. He highlighted the need for measures to prevent residents from accruing debt, such as implementing prepaid meters and educating residents on paying for their utilities.“The municipality of Walvis Bay pays no less than N$10 million monthly to NamWater. If we cannot pay this, NamWater will shut down the water supply, affecting those who do pay. We must learn from Redforce&#039;s methods and strengthen our internal debt-collection processes,” he said.He also highlighted efforts to provide relief, including writing off N$50 million in debt for the elderly. “As councillors, we must prioritise the institution&#039;s best interests while maintaining a human element.”The mayor further reassured the residents of Walvis Bay that all is well at the municipality. "We are good; our CEO is coming. There are no problems with Walvis Bay!"

Walvis mayor urges patience on Redforce issue

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-03

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Walvis mayor urges patience on Redforce issue

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-03

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