The hunt for a new Chief Executive Officer to head the Outjo Municipality is in its final stages.

This was confirmed by the current CEO, Josef |Urib, who initially retired in December 2022 but was given an extension to run the council until a new top official is appointed.

|Urib's extended contract was done at the request of the local authority councillors, who opted to have him stay on for a smooth handover when a new CEO is appointed.

|Urib has served the council for over 25 years.

A delay in the approval to effect salary increases for workers of the Outjo Municipality by the Minister of Urban and Rural Development has resulted in them taking to the streets to voice their displeasure.

On behalf of the workers, the Namibia Local Authority Workers Union is demanding answers as to why it is taking so long to approve the increase despite successful wage negotiations.

The union representative, Maleagi Iilonga, says the delay in approving the five percent increment is an infringement of the workers' rights, most of whom earn less than N$5,000.