A GROUP of people at Aranos yesterday took to the streets to demand the immediate suspension of the local village council CEO, Niklaas Patrick Goraseb, to pave the way for an investigation into alleged irregularities.
The irregularities include alleged corrupt practices, misappropriation of funds, poor service delivery, favouritism and nepotism. The frustrated residents also want criminal charges brought against Goraseb. The residents petitioned Local Government Minister Jerry Ekandjo and Hardap Regional Council chairperson Jeremia Van Neel, the group’s spokesperson, Sophia Jacobs, told The Namibian. The group also expressed displeasure with a last-minute reshuffling of Swapo Party representatives in the council. They accused the office of Swapo secretary general Pendukeni Iivula-Ithana of misusing its power by replacing the candidates at the top of the party list in the November elections. Sophia Jacobs, Jonas Oarum, Jacqueline Pauljan and Petelina Kandina Mwetueka were replaced by Hans Baffrat, Benjamin Rooi, Esme Isaacks and Saara Uatama on the council. ‘Throughout the regions, candidates screened by ECN were sworn in, why not in Aranos? Why the changes after the elections?’ the petition reads. – luqman@namibian.com.na
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