Karibib people want answers on CEO

RESIDENTS of Karibib are demanding answers from the Ministry of Local and Regional Government about the suspension of the town’s CEO, Lydia Kandetu.

Kandetu was suspended over a month ago over allegations which remain unproven. Some residents charge that Kandetu’s suspension was malicious, sparked by professional jealousy within the Council.They say her suspension, with full pay, has serious financial implications for the town.”How are the current projects such as the proposed medical university, the free-flow sewerage system, road construction and maintenance and waste management proceeding? How are businesses being registered and committees being established? What about the planned capital projects?” the group asked.A public meeting is scheduled to place at the Town Hall on Wednesday.The Permanent Secretary of Local and Regional Government, Erasmus Nehonga, is scheduleld to attend.The Council suspended Kandetu on September 14, claiming that she was allegedly incapable of carrying out her duties efficiently.Accusations against her included alleged tender irregularities, failure to buy a refuse removal truck in terms of a Council resolution, painting the town’s sewerage truck without Council consent, and allegedly transferring large sums of money without Council approval.An internal investigation was launched and Kandetu was put on paid suspension pending its outcome.According to the residents, the Council has ignored an order by Permanent Secretary Nehonga to reinstate Kandetu because they were not able to prove the allegations.”They not only ignored Nehonga’s letter, but also a following letter from Minister John Pandeni, which called for Kandetu’s reinstatement,” said Peter Dirks of the concerned group.The Namibian could not obtain comment from Nehonga.Some residents charge that Kandetu’s suspension was malicious, sparked by professional jealousy within the Council.They say her suspension, with full pay, has serious financial implications for the town.”How are the current projects such as the proposed medical university, the free-flow sewerage system, road construction and maintenance and waste management proceeding? How are businesses being registered and committees being established? What about the planned capital projects?” the group asked.A public meeting is scheduled to place at the Town Hall on Wednesday.The Permanent Secretary of Local and Regional Government, Erasmus Nehonga, is scheduleld to attend.The Council suspended Kandetu on September 14, claiming that she was allegedly incapable of carrying out her duties efficiently.Accusations against her included alleged tender irregularities, failure to buy a refuse removal truck in terms of a Council resolution, painting the town’s sewerage truck without Council consent, and allegedly transferring large sums of money without Council approval.An internal investigation was launched and Kandetu was put on paid suspension pending its outcome.According to the residents, the Council has ignored an order by Permanent Secretary Nehonga to reinstate Kandetu because they were not able to prove the allegations.”They not only ignored Nehonga’s letter, but also a following letter from Minister John Pandeni, which called for Kandetu’s reinstatement,” said Peter Dirks of the concerned group.The Namibian could not obtain comment from Nehonga.