No millions missing at TransNamib: Minister

THE Ministry of Works and Transport is ‘not aware of millions of dollars’ allegedly lost at the State-owned enterprise TransNamib, Members of Parliament were told on Thursday.

Minister of Works and Transport Helmut Angula was replying to questions put by DTA Vice President Philemon Moongo, who alleged that the millions were ‘apprehended’.’We would appreciate to receive relevant information on that matter, or if Honourable Moongo could give it to the Anti-Corruption Commission,’ Angula replied.Moongo further asked when salaries at TransNamib were increased. Angula said in 2002 no salaries were raised, but otherwise there were increases each year since 2003 to 2008. On a question of temporary workers allegedly employed for seven years without a permanent contract, Angula said workers were sometimes recruited on a temporary basis and this was allowed by the Labour Act. Asked if it was not unfair to deduct money from TransNamib workers who went on a prolonged strike last year, Angula said the strike resulted in financial losses for TransNamib, but the company’s management could not be blamed for the strike. ‘The (relevant) workers’ union and its members must be answerable to the illegal strike. The principle of ‘no work – no pay’ was applied (for the strike) as decided by Cabinet,’ Angula responded.