UPM disappoints Rehoboth
The United People's Movement (UPM) has refused to financially support Rehoboth residents who are planning to take government to court.
The Rehoboth residents, most of who are UPM supporters, on Friday concluded that a court case that would compel the minister of rural and urban land development Sophia Shaningwa to take steps against the Rehoboth Town Council for alleged mismanagement is their only solution.
According to Jan van Wyk, UPM member of parliament, it would cost the community N$30 000 to open a file at a lawyer's office to begin the court proceedings against Shaningwa and the Rehoboth Town Council.
The party, however, said the money it receives from government coffers cannot be used for this purpose and instead, the party will “see” how it can support the fight.
“The funds are only meant for party activities. UPM supports the fight and we will be part of the action,” said Van Wyk.
During the party's congress held at the town on Saturday, Van Wyk urged leaders to be vigilant and also play their part in the fight against corruption, alcohol and drug abuse, as well as gender-based violence.
“The UPM over the past years did everything possible to convince authorities to act against corruption and corrupt practices at the town council, other town councils, and parastatals. The UPM wants to know from Shaningwa why she is not able to take action at the Rehoboth Town Council despite the fact that she has admitted that investigations have uncovered irregularities. She is failing to make use of her powers as stipulated in the Local Authority Act to call them to order,” said Van Wyk.
Betrayal
Rehoboth community activist Abes Khaibeb however lashed out at the party saying it has dealt the residents a low blow.
“Why do they get millions of dollars from government? They have enough money to support the court case. Rehoboth residents are prepared to contribute, they do not want a hand-out but to sort this mess out as quickly as possible,” he said.
Khaibeb argues that the UPM is the party of the majority of people in Rehoboth and should therefore support the community unconditionally and not only when it suits to do so.
He added that UPM is no different from the “corrupt” Swapo Party and must explain how it has used the government funds to uplift the community.
JEMIMA BEUKES
The Rehoboth residents, most of who are UPM supporters, on Friday concluded that a court case that would compel the minister of rural and urban land development Sophia Shaningwa to take steps against the Rehoboth Town Council for alleged mismanagement is their only solution.
According to Jan van Wyk, UPM member of parliament, it would cost the community N$30 000 to open a file at a lawyer's office to begin the court proceedings against Shaningwa and the Rehoboth Town Council.
The party, however, said the money it receives from government coffers cannot be used for this purpose and instead, the party will “see” how it can support the fight.
“The funds are only meant for party activities. UPM supports the fight and we will be part of the action,” said Van Wyk.
During the party's congress held at the town on Saturday, Van Wyk urged leaders to be vigilant and also play their part in the fight against corruption, alcohol and drug abuse, as well as gender-based violence.
“The UPM over the past years did everything possible to convince authorities to act against corruption and corrupt practices at the town council, other town councils, and parastatals. The UPM wants to know from Shaningwa why she is not able to take action at the Rehoboth Town Council despite the fact that she has admitted that investigations have uncovered irregularities. She is failing to make use of her powers as stipulated in the Local Authority Act to call them to order,” said Van Wyk.
Betrayal
Rehoboth community activist Abes Khaibeb however lashed out at the party saying it has dealt the residents a low blow.
“Why do they get millions of dollars from government? They have enough money to support the court case. Rehoboth residents are prepared to contribute, they do not want a hand-out but to sort this mess out as quickly as possible,” he said.
Khaibeb argues that the UPM is the party of the majority of people in Rehoboth and should therefore support the community unconditionally and not only when it suits to do so.
He added that UPM is no different from the “corrupt” Swapo Party and must explain how it has used the government funds to uplift the community.
JEMIMA BEUKES
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