Walvis Bay mayor Forbes stands by sabotage claims

Walvis Bay mayor Trevino Forbes on Tuesday said he will not keep quiet regarding the well-being of residents after being called to order regarding his comments about sabotage within the municipality.

During an Independent Patriots for Change conference earlier in May, Forbes claimed there are individuals sabotaging the municipality from within and adversely impacting the town’s ability to deliver services.

This prompted the town’s chief executive officer (CEO), Victoria Kapenda, on Friday to issue a complaint about Forbes’ statement, where she demanded an apology and retraction from the mayor.
However, Forbes said what drove him to the statement is that the council had a meeting where he was informed that black plastic bags were procured or requested to be bought in November.

“These bags were still not here in May. I was told that there are refuse trucks which cannot drive because one tire was not in good condition. One truck’s licence disc expired. A bid was put in last year for five contractors for roads. There is still nothing in sight,” Forbes said during Tuesday’s press conference.

He said that residents have become weary of promises without results. He added that the newly-appointed CEO and new administration have been in the dark while attempting to save the town.

He said that it was unfair for people to engage in personal attacks on individuals, noting that Kapenda has been doing a brilliant job since her arrival.

“We have seen transformation in administration that we have never seen before under her leadership. Council operated without any accountable person to council. That is why politicians are personally attacked and insulted on social media. It is also my duty to be fair towards my conduct,” Forbes said.

He highlighted procurement as one of the significant challenges that have been addressed by Kapenda, following the appointment of a procurement and general manager of human resource. However, he said more work is needed.

He further urged the coastal community to appreciate the changes made by the municipality instead of always finding fault.

Asked whether he would retract his claims and offer an apology as the municipality had requested, or if he stood by his words, Forbes told The Namibian that his statement during Tuesday’s press conference was sufficient and the public could interpret it as they wish.

Walvis Bay councillor Ephraim Shozi said the press briefing did not achieve its intended targets, adding that the mayor will be afforded another opportunity to clarify his statements.

“The CEO felt that it was wrong. The two members accused of making the statement in public were asked to recuse themselves from the meeting. One of the resolutions was for the two members to come to the press conference to apologise and withdraw the statement that they made in public about the institution. It will be followed by another opportunity on Friday at a council meeting to explain to the council why the statements were made,” Shozi said.

He added that the municipality should prioritise roads, refuse management and the Redforce matter, and overall service delivery.

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