THE Keetmanshoop Municipality’s CEO, Paul Vleermuis, is in trouble for allegedly overstepping his powers by striking a procurement deal with a scrap dealer for the purchase of storm-water pipes.
The Namibian has established that Vleermuis faces possible disciplinary action because he allegedly struck the deal without any tender board or Town Council approval. A N$9 000 deposit was paid to the scrap dealer for the purchase of storm-water pipes costing N$32 000, The Namibian was informed. Sources close to the municipality told The Namibian that upon delivery it was discovered that the pipes did not meet the required specifications. Apparently the scrap dealer had bought the pipes from a company at Rosh Pinah as scrap metal. The Namibian has it on good authority that the Town Council is expected to meet today to decide on Vleermuis’s fate. The Namibian also understands that the Council’s tender board has been dissolved after its previous office bearers’ term of office expired. Vleermuis acknowledged the procurement deal, saying he had entered into an agreement with the scrap dealer after consultations with a municipal technician. He further admitted that a wrong consignment was delivered in terms of ‘quantity and quality’.’We’re in talks with the provider to rectify the hiccup,’ said Vleermuis. However, Vleermuis refused to comment on whether he had overstepped his powers. ‘I am refusing to be drawn into discussing on whether I had acted outside my boundaries until such issue is deliberated on Council level. It’s improper to debate in the media on issues that have not been discussed on Council level,’ said Vleermuis. The scrap dealer, Kariem Rooinasie, said he was not willing to comment on a ‘private deal’ between himself and the municipality. luqman@namibian.com.na
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
