Frustration is boiling over as residents from Arandis, Walvis Bay and Swakopmund demand urgent action against what they describe as widespread corruption and mismanagement at the Erongo Regional Council.
The uproar comes in the wake of the council's refusal to reinstate Arandis Constituency Councillor, Swapo's Benitha Imbamba, as chairperson as ordered by the High Court.
Imbamba, elected in 2022 after replacing IPC's Ciske Howard-Smith, was removed from her position earlier this year.
But the High Court ruled in her favour. However, during a special meeting held in Swakopmund last week, ERC members voted against her reinstatement by a margin of four to two, keeping Florian Donatus in the chairperson's seat.
This defiance of a court ruling has ignited fresh criticism of the council, with a petition now circulating that accuses the ERC of blocking justice, misusing public funds, and favouring select individuals in scholarships and development projects.
Residents argue that the credibility of local government is hanging by a thread.
At the centre of the complaint is a long-standing police case that has stalled without arrests or prosecutions.
Community spokesperson Paulus Kaulungamenwa said, "We, the people of the Erongo Region, will not stand idle while unethical conduct is allowed to thrive unchecked. We demand urgent and transparent intervention by relevant oversight authorities, including the Office of the Prosecutor General, the Anti-Corruption Commission, and the Office of the Auditor-General."
Alleged dubious financial dealings have also come under scrutiny.
A development fund beneficiary is alleged to have received a disproportionately large sum of money compared to other applicants, sparking suspicions of nepotism and abuse of state resources.
Questions are also being raised over subsistence and travel allowances for the councillors.
Residents are demanding clarity on payments made to councillors linked to a recent sports event in Outjo, with claims that some officials may have been paid for trips they did not undertake.
Community leaders warn that without swift intervention, the region risks a collapse of trust in public institutions, misallocation of resources meant for vulnerable communities, and the possibility of growing unrest.
They are now calling on the Prosecutor General, the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Auditor General to investigate the matter without delay.
When approached for comment, the Erongo Regional Council stated that it will address the allegations through an official media release, which is still to be issued.