City of Windhoek urged to find solution regarding CEO appointment

By: Joseph Sheefeni

Political analyst, Ndumba Kamwanya, said it is unacceptable for the City of Windhoek to have an acting chief executive officer for an extended period of time.

Kamwanya claimed that as a result, there have been infights among municipal council members and the residents are suffering. He recommended that a solution be found as soon as possible.

Kamwanya's comments come after the Minister of urban and rural development Erastus Uutoni, this week , rejected the appointment of Conrad Lutombi as the City of WIndhoek CEO until the corruption allegations surrounding the recruitment process are explained.

Kamwanya, who recommended a number of issues to solve the matter, advised the municipal council not to politicise the recruitment process as it will cause delays.

" The issue of not politicising the process. What we have been witnessing , especially among the municipal council members, is that they have politicised the process based on their own personal and political interest. When we have that politicisation of the recruitment (process) , it is going to delay the process because we are going to see back and forth squabbles," stated Kamwanya

Kamwanya explained that if there are further delays , there is a possibility that Lutombi could take the council to court because he was promised he is the suitable candidate.

When asked if the minister Uutoni's request to be furnished with the investigation report is valid, Kamwanya responded in the affirmative. The analyst explained that it is imperative for the minister to understand council's decision to recommend Lutombi, especially when the process has been marred with controversy and irregularities.

Attempts to get comments from City current acting CEO, George Mayumbelo and the chairperson of the management committee Ilse Keister has proved futile. The mayor of Windheok's cellphone has also been unreachable.