New dispute at Usakos sees attitudes harden

A DISPUTE over control of the Multi-Purpose Community Centre at Usakos’s Hakhaseb settlement has sparked more tension between the community and the Town Council.

At the weekend, community activist and leader of the Concerned Group, Daniel Stramiss, was detained overnight and questioned on allegations of trespassing after he refused to hand over the keys of the hall to the council. The centre houses a kindergarten – of which Stramiss is the administrator – and a community hall.The Concerned Group wants the Council purged of officials accused of mismanagement.Acting Town Clerk Chris Shivolo told The Namibian on Monday that he had asked Stramiss on Friday to give him the keys – both in person and in writing.According to Shivolo, it was necessary for the Municipality to “take possession of its property”, allegedly to ensure that it wasn’t used to benefit “only a few”.”We need to protect Council’s assets. Council can’t take stock of its assets if it’s in the possession of other people,” Shivolo said.Stramiss, who was released by the Police late on Sunday, said the Municipality gave him permission to use the property for a kindergarten as well as to have access to the hall.He said in terms of the agreement, he was permitted to use funds generated from use of the hall to cover the running costs of the pre-school.”How can I trespass at a place where I work? I will not hand over any keys to Mr Shivolo. The hall is there to generate funds for the community,” Stramiss said on Monday.Also on Monday, Police Spokesperson Sergeant James Matengu confirmed that Stramiss was released without being charged after he produced an agreement, valid until the end of the year.The community activist told The Namibian that he was not prepared to talk to Council because of the way the matter had been handled in recent days.”They [the council] never controlled it [the hall] before, why do they want to control it now?” Shivolo maintained he was unaware of a contract between the parties, saying if one did exist, it was only for the use of the kindergarten.Shivolo, who was appointed as Manager of Finance and Administration in December, claimed he was being victimised by residents for trying to turn the tables of misfortune at the town.He said there was a need to put strict debt recovery measures in place so that the money could be pumped back into the community.For their part, residents have expressed concern that Shivolo was granted a N$10 000 study loan only a month after taking up his position.The Concerned Group is not letting up on its quest to have some councillors replaced.”Everything is confused in that Council. Even if elections come, there must be good councillors,” said Stramiss.The centre houses a kindergarten – of which Stramiss is the administrator – and a community hall. The Concerned Group wants the Council purged of officials accused of mismanagement. Acting Town Clerk Chris Shivolo told The Namibian on Monday that he had asked Stramiss on Friday to give him the keys – both in person and in writing. According to Shivolo, it was necessary for the Municipality to “take possession of its property”, allegedly to ensure that it wasn’t used to benefit “only a few”. “We need to protect Council’s assets. Council can’t take stock of its assets if it’s in the possession of other people,” Shivolo said. Stramiss, who was released by the Police late on Sunday, said the Municipality gave him permission to use the property for a kindergarten as well as to have access to the hall. He said in terms of the agreement, he was permitted to use funds generated from use of the hall to cover the running costs of the pre-school. “How can I trespass at a place where I work? I will not hand over any keys to Mr Shivolo. The hall is there to generate funds for the community,” Stramiss said on Monday. Also on Monday, Police Spokesperson Sergeant James Matengu confirmed that Stramiss was released without being charged after he produced an agreement, valid until the end of the year. The community activist told The Namibian that he was not prepared to talk to Council because of the way the matter had been handled in recent days. “They [the council] never controlled it [the hall] before, why do they want to control it now?” Shivolo maintained he was unaware of a contract between the parties, saying if one did exist, it was only for the use of the kindergarten. Shivolo, who was appointed as Manager of Finance and Administration in December, claimed he was being victimised by residents for trying to turn the tables of misfortune at the town. He said there was a need to put strict debt recovery measures in place so that the money could be pumped back into the community. For their part, residents have expressed concern that Shivolo was granted a N$10 000 study loan only a month after taking up his position. The Concerned Group is not letting up on its quest to have some councillors replaced. “Everything is confused in that Council. Even if elections come, there must be good councillors,” said Stramiss.