Katima Mulilo Town Council to take back land exchanged for vehicles

The Katima Mulilo Town Council will be taking back the land that has been awarded to three businesses in exchange for vehicles and electronics.

In a press release issued by the town council on Thursday, it says these businesses have been awarded the land without ministerial approval.

According to the statement, the revoking of land given to Risk-Based Solution CC, Malena Property Investments, and Dr Kombo Group of Companies without ministerial approval, is not only limited to these entities.

“All decisions taken by the Katima Mulilo Town Council on land matters without ministerial approval are hereby revoked with immediate effect.

“This is a necessary action to restore compliance, accountability, and good governance in the handling of public resources.

“Therefore the council directs the immediate return of all vehicles and properties acquired without mandatory ministerial approval,” the statement reads.

Furthermore, it says any other company, individual, or entity that has acquired council properties, assets, land, or vehicles without ministerial approval is also required to return such assets without delay.

“The council is undertaking corrective measures to ensure transparency, protect public property, and restore lawful processes in local authority administration,” the statement says.

Minister of urban and rural development James Sankwasa, after uncovering the land for vehicle exchange at the town council and other maladministration practices in May, ordered the council to return the vehicles and get the land back.

It was also ordered to rectify alleged maladministration at the council.

However, the council did not comply, and Sankwasa subsequently dissolved it in August.

In October, chief executive Raphael Liswaniso was suspended without his salary and benefits, while earlier this month, the manager for legal, bilateral relations, and corporate services, Lifasi Lilungwe, was also suspended.

Both suspensions are to allow for internal investigations to take place.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.