Katutura councillor denies living in Rocky Crest
Katutura Central constituency councillor Rodman Katjaimo has strongly denied allegations that he resides in Rocky Crest while serving a Katutura-based constituency, dismissing the claims as politically motivated and long settled.
Speaking to Namibian Sun in a telephone interview yesterday, Katjaimo rejected the accusations outright.
“For the very last time, I don’t live in Rocky Crest. How many times do I have to tell you?” he said.
Katjaimo urged journalists to verify his residential status with the Chief Regional Officer (CRO), insisting that the matter had already been clarified. He accused his former political rival, Shaun Gariseb, of reviving the allegations for political gain, describing him as a “failed politician” rather than a genuine activist.
He also criticised sections of the media, alleging bias in coverage of opposition figures. Katjaimo claimed that some outlets were “being used by Swapo” to portray opposition politicians negatively, while overlooking his electoral victory and service delivery record.
The councillor said his focus remains on addressing constituency challenges, improving service delivery and engaging with the City of Windhoek through formal channels, rather than engaging in what he termed political theatrics.
“I am working. I am dealing with real issues on the ground. But instead of reporting on service delivery, these old allegations keep resurfacing,” he said, adding that some of the claims had even been referred to the Attorney General for review.
Katjaimo’s remarks follow a recent workshop for newly elected councillors from the Kavango and Zambezi regions held in Rundu, where minister of urban and rural development James Sankwasa reiterated councillors’ legal obligations and performance expectations.
Addressing the workshop, Sankwasa reminded councillors that they are legally required to relocate to the constituencies where they were elected within three months, emphasising that residents must have direct and regular access to their representatives.
“If you are in another area, how can they access you in a timely manner? The people who voted for you need to reach you on a daily basis,” the minister said.
While Sankwasa did not outline specific penalties for non-compliance, he was firm on accountability and performance.
“If you are competent, you go. If you are incompetent, why did you apply for a job you cannot execute?” he said. “The minister is not appointed to fire councillors, but to monitor their performance. Their performance is their own individual responsibility. I only expect the results, as promised to the electorate.”
Speaking to Namibian Sun in a telephone interview yesterday, Katjaimo rejected the accusations outright.
“For the very last time, I don’t live in Rocky Crest. How many times do I have to tell you?” he said.
Katjaimo urged journalists to verify his residential status with the Chief Regional Officer (CRO), insisting that the matter had already been clarified. He accused his former political rival, Shaun Gariseb, of reviving the allegations for political gain, describing him as a “failed politician” rather than a genuine activist.
He also criticised sections of the media, alleging bias in coverage of opposition figures. Katjaimo claimed that some outlets were “being used by Swapo” to portray opposition politicians negatively, while overlooking his electoral victory and service delivery record.
The councillor said his focus remains on addressing constituency challenges, improving service delivery and engaging with the City of Windhoek through formal channels, rather than engaging in what he termed political theatrics.
“I am working. I am dealing with real issues on the ground. But instead of reporting on service delivery, these old allegations keep resurfacing,” he said, adding that some of the claims had even been referred to the Attorney General for review.
Katjaimo’s remarks follow a recent workshop for newly elected councillors from the Kavango and Zambezi regions held in Rundu, where minister of urban and rural development James Sankwasa reiterated councillors’ legal obligations and performance expectations.
Addressing the workshop, Sankwasa reminded councillors that they are legally required to relocate to the constituencies where they were elected within three months, emphasising that residents must have direct and regular access to their representatives.
“If you are in another area, how can they access you in a timely manner? The people who voted for you need to reach you on a daily basis,” the minister said.
While Sankwasa did not outline specific penalties for non-compliance, he was firm on accountability and performance.
“If you are competent, you go. If you are incompetent, why did you apply for a job you cannot execute?” he said. “The minister is not appointed to fire councillors, but to monitor their performance. Their performance is their own individual responsibility. I only expect the results, as promised to the electorate.”
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