Walvis Bay Council lifts suspension of officials

FIVE of the six officials of the Walvis Bay Municipality who were temporarily relieved of their duties in December 2005 returned to their offices yesterday after their suspension was lifted.

General Manager of Finance Muronga Haingura’s suspension remains in effect though, based on recommendations by the independent auditors who were called in to investigate claims of irregular municipal accounts. CEO Augustinus Katiti, Haingura and four unnamed junior officials were suspended on December 12 after an extraordinary Council meeting and a special Management Committee meeting.Their suspension was regarded as necessary to allow an unhindered probe into allegations that they contravened Council’s credit-control policy to the advantage of themselves and/or family members.The municipality’s Public Relations manager, Kevin Adams, could not reveal further information about the recommendations or how long Haingura’s suspension would continue.The resolution to reinstate Katiti and four other officials was passed at an extraordinary Council meeting held on Friday.It was based on the final report of the external auditing firm Ernst & Young.Findings and recommendations contained in the report would be implemented soon, said Adams.The leaking of confidential municipal information that led to the suspension of the six officials will be dealt with by the legal firm of Conradie and Damaseb, which was approached to investigate the leak.A regular consultative platform consisting of the Chairperson of the Council, Chairperson of the Management Committee and the CEO will be created to strengthen internal control.When contacted yesterday, Katiti confirmed that his suspension had been lifted but did not want to give any comment.CEO Augustinus Katiti, Haingura and four unnamed junior officials were suspended on December 12 after an extraordinary Council meeting and a special Management Committee meeting.Their suspension was regarded as necessary to allow an unhindered probe into allegations that they contravened Council’s credit-control policy to the advantage of themselves and/or family members.The municipality’s Public Relations manager, Kevin Adams, could not reveal further information about the recommendations or how long Haingura’s suspension would continue.The resolution to reinstate Katiti and four other officials was passed at an extraordinary Council meeting held on Friday.It was based on the final report of the external auditing firm Ernst & Young.Findings and recommendations contained in the report would be implemented soon, said Adams.The leaking of confidential municipal information that led to the suspension of the six officials will be dealt with by the legal firm of Conradie and Damaseb, which was approached to investigate the leak.A regular consultative platform consisting of the Chairperson of the Council, Chairperson of the Management Committee and the CEO will be created to strengthen internal control.When contacted yesterday, Katiti confirmed that his suspension had been lifted but did not want to give any comment.