The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development has made N$100 million available to the Katima Mulilo Town Council for the immediate provision of water and electricity services to various informal settlements.
This was announced by minister of urban and rural development James Sankwasa during a consultative meeting where matters related to the development of the town and ongoing matters at the town council were discussed on Tuesday.
He said the informal areas to be covered include Nova, Macaravani West and Diary Compound. A contractor is expected to be appointed by Friday.
The Bukalo Village Council has also received its share of N$35 million for services such as water, electricity, sewerage and sanitation, as well as roads.
“If someone is talking about there’s no water and electricity, that person is talking about the past. The N$100 million is here,” Sankwasa said.
He urged residents to cooperate, especially those who will have to make way for relocation, stressing that this is just the beginning of efforts to develop the town and the region.
The minister also used the platform to reveal that an auditors’ report on Katima Mulilo Town Council’s operations following the removal of the town councillors contains revelations of maladministration, corruption and mismanagement.
The report indicates that some businesses had failed to pay for water and electricity, cited numerous tender irregularities and established that RedForce Debt Management never held a formal contract with Katima Mulilo Town Council.
“And you want me to tell me I should have relaxed as a minister and let the councillors proceed?” he queried, cautioning that even the incoming new crop of elected councillors might face the same fate if they engage in mismanagement.
The residents called for the report to be made public and for immediate action to be taken against RedForce.
The town council’s spokesperson, Chrispin Muyoba, says the full audit report would not be made public.
He cites confidentiality concerns, stating its release could jeopardise other ongoing investigations.
– Nampa
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