Windhoek City officials warned to uphold ethics

WINDHOEK Mayor Matheus Shikongo rapped the municipality’s top management over the knuckles on Wednesday night for being out of office without permission.

In his monthly address to residents at the council meeting, Shikongo warned that in so doing officials were making themselves guilty of corruption and theft. “I would like to caution that holding office entails compliance with a number of laws and regulations, ranging from work ethics to corporate governance principles, which have become fundamental to modern business practice,” said a stern Shikongo in the presence of Strategic Executives.Shikongo noted that as the responsibilities of the municipality’s management were multiplying, so too were the consequences of the breach of their duties becoming more burdensome.He urged them to uphold work ethics and lead by example.”Such unethical behaviours are tantamount to theft and corruption.It should thus be clear that nobody is indispensable,” he said.Shikongo said he appreciated residents’ persistent interest in the running of the City.He assured residents of council’s continued commitment to the delivery of effective and timely services.”We will further continue to welcome residents’ complaints, concerns and practical suggestions in making Windhoek a better city to live in.In the same vein, I wish to call on all City of Windhoek employees to dedicate themselves to their duties and deliver effective services that ensure value for money to all our ratepayers,” said Shikongo.Shikongo said the municipality’s computer system had been fixed after it halted financial transactions for a week.He also noted progress on the extension of Robert Mugabe Avenue, and said construction work would be finished by November.The N$115-million project aims to address the road congestion via the Simon de Witt bridge and facilitate the smooth flow of traffic between the Northern Industrial area, Katutura and Khomasdal.”I would like to caution that holding office entails compliance with a number of laws and regulations, ranging from work ethics to corporate governance principles, which have become fundamental to modern business practice,” said a stern Shikongo in the presence of Strategic Executives.Shikongo noted that as the responsibilities of the municipality’s management were multiplying, so too were the consequences of the breach of their duties becoming more burdensome.He urged them to uphold work ethics and lead by example.”Such unethical behaviours are tantamount to theft and corruption.It should thus be clear that nobody is indispensable,” he said.Shikongo said he appreciated residents’ persistent interest in the running of the City.He assured residents of council’s continued commitment to the delivery of effective and timely services.”We will further continue to welcome residents’ complaints, concerns and practical suggestions in making Windhoek a better city to live in.In the same vein, I wish to call on all City of Windhoek employees to dedicate themselves to their duties and deliver effective services that ensure value for money to all our ratepayers,” said Shikongo.Shikongo said the municipality’s computer system had been fixed after it halted financial transactions for a week.He also noted progress on the extension of Robert Mugabe Avenue, and said construction work would be finished by November.The N$115-million project aims to address the road congestion via the Simon de Witt bridge and facilitate the smooth flow of traffic between the Northern Industrial area, Katutura and Khomasdal.