The Minister of Urban and Rural Development (MURD), James Sankwasa, visited the Omaruru Municipality, where concerns surrounding governance and administration were raised.

Omaruru Mayor Eberth Gariseb voiced concerns over the conduct of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Valentinus Sindongo, for allegedly failing to communicate effectively with council members.

Gariseb said councillors often learn about decisions taken by the CEO through social media instead of official council channels.

"Another serious concern is the manner in which discussions are turned into resolutions without following proper channels and council procedures and formally deliberated following a long and disrespectful management committee meeting, discussions eventually ending in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with resolutions being signed between Omaruru Municipality and DW."

Gariseb further alleged that Sindongo's travel activities are not approved by the council and that he had been away without proper communication.

Others are allegations that land was sold without the consent of the owners, despite proof of payment as well as mismanagement within the human resources department.

Minister Sankwasa said complaints from Omaruru have been ongoing since last year. 

He also questioned allegations that the CEO stays in a guesthouse despite reportedly receiving a housing allowance from the council.

Valentinus Sindongo is the CEO of Omaruru Municipality who responded, "Are you staying in your own house, or are you staying in the hotel? I am not staying in the hotel; however, I am staying in a house, not a hotel. Who is paying for it? The council is the one paying for it."

Following a closed-door meeting after Sindongo dismissed all allegations, Sankwasa said the engagements were productive, although some of the concerns raised would require further investigation.

Sankwasa added that while certain allegations may hold truth, some actions may have occurred inadvertently due to a lack of understanding or interpretation of the law.

"The issue, for example, is where the councillors are all alleging that the chief executive officer is not calling meetings of the council. The law does not require the Chief Executive Officer to call meetings or require a CEO to give notice once the chairperson has decided to hold a meeting." 

The visit follows concerns within the municipality regarding governance, communication, and administrative conduct within the local authority.