Lüderitz town council dismisses social media allegations, calls for proof

The Lüderitz Town Council (LTC) has dismissed allegations circulating on social media, saying the claims contain misleading and inaccurate information about the institution’s operations and governance.
"The assertions made in two posts on two different Facebook pages are devoid of factual substance and lack credibility," the council said in a media statement issued on 21 January.
The posts appeared on the Lüderitzbucht – Past and Present Facebook page on 15 January by a user identified as @HandsomeOtter5762, and on the LüderitzBucht page on 20 January by an anonymous contributor.
Otto Shipanga, the town council’s acting chief executive officer, further dismissed rumours that the council had received N$72 million, describing the claims as false.
“The burden of proof rests with those making such reckless and baseless claims," Shipanga noted.
"LTC therefore calls upon the authors of these allegations to present credible evidence in support of their assertions," he added.
Responses to all claims
The Facebook account @HandsomeOtter5762 called on the council to clarify who would be responsible for constructing 40 Build Together houses, implying that the same contractors receive the tenders each year.
“It seems that the tenders are granted to only two individuals," the poster alleged.
"Certain people are allowed to claim their parents' plots, while others are not granted the same opportunity. It appears that most council-owned plots are allocated to council employees, their families and friends.”
The town council said Namibia’s Build Together Programme operates on a self-build empowerment model.
“Beneficiaries are permitted to appoint their own contractors in terms of the programme’s construction clauses. LTC is not involved in the procurement or appointment of contractors and has allocated funding for 15 units and not 40 units, as alleged in social media posts," the council confirmed.
The statement added that, during the transfer of Build Together title deeds, community members are given an opportunity to submit objections to the minister for review and consideration.
Nepotism allegations denied 
HandsomeOtter5762 further alleged that many of the young interns employed by the council are relatives of council officials, suggesting that recruitment favours the same group of people.
“Approximately 95% of the workers are Oshiwambo-speaking individuals.” 
The council rejected the allegations, stating that it remains fully compliant with statutory provisions governing recruitment and employment.
The author also called on the town council to construct stalls for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and alleged that Cosy Corner has been leased to the same tenant for more than 10 years.
“What was the agreement, given that the ownership was supposed to change every five years?” 
In response, the council said that the occupation and use of any council-owned building are subject to a formal council resolution.
“LTC will provide official feedback on the Cosy Corner matter at the appropriate time and through the correct communication channels.”
Job queries 
The anonymous account user wanted to know why some temporary workers at the council were put on hold in December 2025 and allegedly were not paid.
“Their contract will only end on 31 January 2026, and while they are on hold, the Lüderitz Town Council gave (19.01.26) employment to other people, while those that were put on hold in 2025 are still at home. I would like to know what's going on,” the poster alleged.
In response, the council said it had terminated most technical temporary contracts that had exceeded a six-month period. 
“All financial obligations from these contracts have been fully settled. Affected individuals are encouraged to pursue any grievances through the appropriate labour statutory mechanism, rather than through public forums,” the statement stressed.