Nepotism alleged at Karibib

THE Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has been asked to investigate allegations of nepotism in connection with the allocation of 28 plots by the Karibib Town Council.

According to a letter sent to the ACC by a group calling themselves Karibib Taxpayers, the plots, ranging in price from N$5 465 for 322m2 to N$23 415 for 1 138m2, were allocated “illegally” by a municipal official. The letter alleges that most of the plots were awarded to relatives of the official, or friends and business people.The Ministry of Regional and Local Government and Housing and Rural Development approved the plots for private sale.The aggrieved group claims the council did not publish notices of the sale and has also not explained why the plots were being sold on private treaty.”It is unbelievable that the Ministry has approved the plots which were allocated illegally,” they charge.The Namibian could not reach the official for comment.Karibib CEO, Lydia Kandetu was also not available for comment.Erna van der Merwe of the ACC confirmed receipt of the claims and said the ACC would look into the matter.The letter alleges that most of the plots were awarded to relatives of the official, or friends and business people.The Ministry of Regional and Local Government and Housing and Rural Development approved the plots for private sale.The aggrieved group claims the council did not publish notices of the sale and has also not explained why the plots were being sold on private treaty.”It is unbelievable that the Ministry has approved the plots which were allocated illegally,” they charge.The Namibian could not reach the official for comment.Karibib CEO, Lydia Kandetu was also not available for comment.Erna van der Merwe of the ACC confirmed receipt of the claims and said the ACC would look into the matter.