Stand-off over mahangu paper project funding

THE dust is refusing to settle in the long-standing feud between the members of the Onankali Mahangu Paper Making Cooperative and the Oshikoto Regional Council over funding provided by the regional government in 2012.

According to Abraham Shikongo who heads the project, they received N$1 046 512 from the ministry to fund or purchase different items for their project. Similary, donations were made to other community-based groups in other regions.

The projects, as per regulations, would be under the administration of the urban and rural development ministry. This meant the Oshikoto Regional Council would oversee the project’s implementations.

Shikongo told The Namibian that they gave a clear list of the things they wanted to be bought and were told by the then Oshikoto Regional Council deputy director, Ismael Namgongo, their needs would be met within three months.

“We requested a workshop to be built for us. We also said we wanted three machines for making paper among other things,” said Shikongo.

However, he said instead of a fully-equipped workshop, a tiny craft shop was built for them.

“We did not want a craft shop, but a workshop. What can we sell there if we have nowhere to manufacture our items?” he asked.

He also told The Namibian that N$330 000 from the funds earmarked for their Onankali project was used to build a basket selling shelter at Oniimbwele.

“I think it was just a scheme from the side of the administrators to pocket money somehow,” he said, adding that this building at Oniimbwele could not have cost more than N$150 000.

“Now we do not even have an income. Most of us are volunteers and the little we get from paper products is what we use to support ourselves with,” Shikongo said.

Of the 17 people he worked with, he said, only eight are left.

Other payments that raised eyebrows, according to Shikongo, were the cost of the craft shop which was allegedly N$671 375,75.

“The building is so small and lacks proper ventilation. And you expect us to believe that amount?” he queried.

He asked about the N$150 000 paid to the architect who designed the ‘small building’.

Shikongo also alleged that they were not allowed to question anything the money was used for and were told to be thankful to the ministry.

Namgongo told that Shikongo is a bitter man who did not want to accept the work that was done.

“He is the only one complaining about everything. Government has its ways of dealing with finances. It does not mean that because you head a certain project, funds will be paid directly to the project,” fumed Namgongo.

Namgongo also said for every government cent used, records should be available and that government prefers quality above anything else.

“What he wanted, was to use his cheap labourers and plan drawers to do the work. How can a big government project have a plan drawn at N$25 000 or less?” he asked.

Namgongo further related to The Namibian that all records regarding the buildings and machines in question are available at the offices of the Oshikoto Regional Council.

“Everyone is welcome to go and see. He has copies of every purchase and payment made. I do not know why he has to try to tarnish my name,” Namgongo said.

Shikongo visited the office of the regional councillor, the governor and the permanent secretary but was told that all was above board and procedures were followed.

“He must stop, otherwise I will sue him for defamation,” Namgongo said.

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