City communications under fire

A PROPOSED new corporate communication strategy for the City of Windhoek has been rapped by UDF councillor Werner Claasen who claims that the local authority is selective in sharing information.

At Wednesday night’s monthly City Council meting, Claasen cited developments related to the establishment of the City Police to back his argument. He maintained that the city was providing different information to different parties and that conflicting statements were being made on the subject.”There are several misconceptions and misunderstandings,” he claimed.Claasen raised his concerns during discussions on the approval of the new corporate communication strategy.”It’s [the City Police] is a total confusing aspect for the entire City of Windhoek.We don’t know what’s happening,” he said.Claasen accused the City of being poor in lobbying roleplayers, in particular Government, on the matter.He referred to a report in The Namibian this week that Government intended to table legislation next week that would pave the way for the establishment of the City Police force.Claasen said the city had become slack on making media statements on the matter to keep ratepayers informed on the process.”Talking with the media does not happen behind closed doors or closed curtains,” he said.Deputy Mayor Elaine Trepper disagreed.She said that the city was part of Government and that it lobbied continuously with central Government to achieve its goals.”The Police is so to speak established,” she maintained.”It is there.It is not something that won’t be implemented.”She pleaded for patience from residents on the matter.The council then adopted the new policy.He maintained that the city was providing different information to different parties and that conflicting statements were being made on the subject.”There are several misconceptions and misunderstandings,” he claimed.Claasen raised his concerns during discussions on the approval of the new corporate communication strategy.”It’s [the City Police] is a total confusing aspect for the entire City of Windhoek.We don’t know what’s happening,” he said.Claasen accused the City of being poor in lobbying roleplayers, in particular Government, on the matter.He referred to a report in The Namibian this week that Government intended to table legislation next week that would pave the way for the establishment of the City Police force.Claasen said the city had become slack on making media statements on the matter to keep ratepayers informed on the process.”Talking with the media does not happen behind closed doors or closed curtains,” he said.Deputy Mayor Elaine Trepper disagreed.She said that the city was part of Government and that it lobbied continuously with central Government to achieve its goals.”The Police is so to speak established,” she maintained.”It is there.It is not something that won’t be implemented.”She pleaded for patience from residents on the matter.The council then adopted the new policy.