IT IS confirmed. The Zambian executive Edward Kawesha will from today take over as the acting chief executive officer of the troubled Windhoek municipality until the position is permanently filled next year.
This was confirmed by Windhoek mayor Muesee Kazapua, who told The Namibian yesterday that Kawesha, the strategic executive manager for electricity at the municipality, will be the interim boss.
Yesterday was Niilo Taapopi’s last working day as the CEO at the municipality of Windhoek, ending a decade long era at the helm.
The mayor said there was nothing untoward with Kawesha’s appointment as temporary CEO since a member of the strategic executive usually acts when the incumbent is not around.
Kazapua said the hunt for the CEO will continue after the festive season. He rejected claims that the position of municipality CEO is reserved for Namibian nationals.The Namibian recently reported how some senior managers were not happy with how Kawesha was hand-picked to be the acting boss since the management committee sidelined most of those who were supposed to be part of the meeting that made the decision.
The last recruitment process was tainted by deliberate delays and allegations of nepotism such that some people were dropped from the early stages to give chances to those who would sing to the tune of the outgoing leadership.
Allegations of an improper recruitment process started with the selection, which was determined by three Swapo politicians, some with no formal qualifications interviewing candidates for the city’s top job.
Taapopi, who previously served as home affairs and immigration permanent secretary, took charge of the municipality on 7 June 2004, a few months after Martin Shipanga’s resignation in 2003. Shipanga has since gone into business.
Taapopi gave a farewell speech in the last council meeting where he highlighted several positives from his tenure.
“Under my leadership, abundant positive progress was made in the context of this ever challenging local government environment,” he said.
He mentioned achievements such as the commissioning of a fully-fledged City Police Service; the Otjomuise Fire Station; hosting of the International Water Re-use Conference, and tarring of several roads like Omuvapu, Julius Nyerere and Ongava Streets.
He also mentioned the surfacing of streets in Rocky Crest; the resealing and general repair of roads all over the City;
construction of the Rocky Crest Multi-purpose Centre and new bridge on the Western Bypass; development of several informal markets; extension of the Robert Mugabe Avenue; the replacement of the ageing municipal bus fleet, building of public transport infrastructure; and expansion of municipal bus routes.
Taapopi also said that his other achievement was the investment in crime prevention equipment and strategies such as closed-circuit television cameras and control room automation; enhancement of community policing; and continuous improvements in public safety, especially disaster risk management;
Other construction projects he spoke about were the new Industrial Waste Water Treatment Plant, the Western Suburbs Swimming Pool; the Greenwell Matongo community library; the Sam Nujoma Stadium in Katutura and the Khomasdal Bridge and Traffic Circle.
Taapopi said development challenges like the provision of land, supply of services in the informal settlements and the recovery of huge debts owed to the city present opportunities for innovation and development.
“I wish my successor all that it takes to effectively address the City’s challenges. I hope he will forge a new leadership outlook that will bring about the desired results in the interest of the residents,” he said.
Taapopi said that he is proud of his achievements. “I look back on my time here at the City of Windhoek, and I see a time well spent, a time with few regrets, and a time happily spent. A time in which I could contribute immensely towards the development of this city and make a difference in the lives of many,” he said.
Taapopi concluded that “for me, one part of a very challenging career with illuminating experience is coming to an end – one that I will treasure for the rest of my life”.
Taapopi did not touch on the housing situation in the city since he took over as CEO in 2004.
The FNB housing index shows that a medium house in Windhoek which cost N$470 000 in 2009 has now increased by 85% to N$875 000. The escalation of housing prices and land can be worse if the comparison is stretched back to 2004 when Taapopi took over as municipality CEO.
The FNB index expressed concern about the supply of land.
“Municipal construction data continued to disappoint particularly with regards to new houses completed. This persistent supply shortage has increased property prices in Windhoek to the second highest in the world”.
