Hecht sworn in as IPC City councillor

OGONE TLHAGE



WINDHOEK

Newly sworn-in councillor of the City of Windhoek, Jürgen Hecht, says while his presence was unorthodox, he remains committed to serving with distinction.

He made the comments during his first official address as councillor. Hecht replaces former City councillor Fillemon Hambuda who was elected to serve as chairperson of the management committee on an Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) ticket.

The IPC did not go according to its party list to replace Hambuda.

“I know I came in by the sidelines but I feel extremely honoured that the party asked me to come in and assist and to become a councillor,” Hecht said.

He added that while he had been appointed on a party ticket, he will serve all of the City’s residents.

“I would like to reiterate that while I am here on a party ticket, I am here for all the residents of Windhoek, irrespective of race or tribal background,” he said.

Planting season

Welcoming the new councillor, Windhoek mayor Job Amupanda said steps have been taken to transform the city.

“You haven’t missed much. Of course, there was a planting season. What is basically happening is we are seeing little seeds,” he said of council’s work with regards to the City.

He added that there was also nothing procedurally wrong with Hecht being sworn-in by deputy mayor, Clemencia Hanases.

According to Amupanda, Hanases was empowered to swear-in new councillors by the Local Authorities Act.

Hambuda is said to have asked the party to recall him from his post, which he said was increasingly becoming untenable for unspecified reasons.