Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa has expressed serious concern over the operations of the Kunene Regional Council after only one councillor attended a scheduled meeting in Opuwo this afternoon.

The minister had called for a full council meeting, but only Councillor Western Muharukua, who is the Chairperson of the Management Committee, showed up.

The minister then summoned the council leadership to his office for a briefing.

He raised concerns about the ongoing dispute surrounding the appointment of the Chief Regional Officer, stating that the ministry reportedly declined the appointment and the matter has dragged on for months.

Even more alarming, he mentioned that the individual believed to be the CRO is not receiving a salary but is instead paid a subsistence and travel allowance equivalent to one.

"S&T is meant for employees out of duty station for over 24 hours. Using it as a salary is fraud," said the minister, warning that those responsible will be held accountable."

He also called for confirmation of the arbitration ruling in which the council allegedly lost the salary dispute involving the said CRO.