WALVIS BAY – The Walvis Bay council, despite objections, allocated N$400 000 to enable their employees to participate in the Southern Africa Inter Municipal (Saimsa) games.
Saimsa represents municipalities in SADC and holds its annual games in different SADC regions each year.
This year, the games are taking place in Botswana, with 68 employees expected to partake in the 10-day event.
During the recent council meeting, councillor Ronald Bramwell voiced his objection to the allocation.
“It’s not because I don’t like sports, and it’s not because I don’t like to boost staff morale. It’s because the municipality, as it stands, lacks purpose. Residents expect efficient service delivery at an affordable cost and timely solutions to everyday problems. We should also consider that this trip to Gaborone coincides with the municipality’s busiest period, with everyone going on special leave,” he said.
Bramwell intends to submit a motion next week, focusing on revoking the resolution made 11 years ago that allows the current council to make independent decisions on such matters.
However, councillor Albertina Nkoshi argued against making decisions on this matter now, as the resolutions were established several years ago.
She emphasised that preparations and travel arrangements are already at an advanced stage, rendering it irrelevant to deliberate on them at this point.
Councillor Ryan Gordon also expressed concern, citing the poor condition of some sporting fields.
“Earlier this year, employees participated in similar games in Swakopmund, and given our current financial status, I don’t believe it’s wise for us to engage in another costly exercise,” Gordon explained.
Gordon pointed out that the condition of sporting facilities has forced the soccer and rugby teams from Walvis to commute to Swakopmund for practice and games due to its well-maintained facilities.