Residents petition Erongo Regional Council over alleged corruption
A small group of concerned residents marched to the Erongo Regional Council offices in Swakopmund on Friday to hand over a petition alleging corruption, mismanagement and abuse of public resources within the council.
The document was received by Dismon Kambatuamasa from the directorate of developmental planning on behalf of council.
The petition accuses the regional council's management of obstructing justice in an active police investigation in which N$32 000 was allegedly stolen from the council to pay for goods from a local wholesaler; irregularities in scholarship and project funding allocations and misuse of state resources, including subsistence and travel allowances.
It calls for urgent action by the prosecutor general, the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Office of the Auditor-General.
No answers
Petition organiser Paulus Kaulungamenwa said the allegations stem from “serious and ongoing incidents of fraud, theft and corruption”, while adding that their concerns have been met by “silence, obstruction or outright inaction” from authorities.
The petition claims that the police case, registered in Swakopmund, has not resulted in any arrests or indictments due to alleged obstruction by council management and police.
On the alleged misuse listed by the group, the petition seeks confirmation on whether subsistence and travel payments were made to councillors for attending a sports event in Outjo and whether those councillors actually attended.
The residents warn that inaction could result in “widespread public distrust”, legal action and public protests.
Kambatuamasa acknowledged receipt and assured the petition will be submitted and a response provided in due time.
The document was received by Dismon Kambatuamasa from the directorate of developmental planning on behalf of council.
The petition accuses the regional council's management of obstructing justice in an active police investigation in which N$32 000 was allegedly stolen from the council to pay for goods from a local wholesaler; irregularities in scholarship and project funding allocations and misuse of state resources, including subsistence and travel allowances.
It calls for urgent action by the prosecutor general, the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Office of the Auditor-General.
No answers
Petition organiser Paulus Kaulungamenwa said the allegations stem from “serious and ongoing incidents of fraud, theft and corruption”, while adding that their concerns have been met by “silence, obstruction or outright inaction” from authorities.
The petition claims that the police case, registered in Swakopmund, has not resulted in any arrests or indictments due to alleged obstruction by council management and police.
On the alleged misuse listed by the group, the petition seeks confirmation on whether subsistence and travel payments were made to councillors for attending a sports event in Outjo and whether those councillors actually attended.
The residents warn that inaction could result in “widespread public distrust”, legal action and public protests.
Kambatuamasa acknowledged receipt and assured the petition will be submitted and a response provided in due time.
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