Rudolf Gaiseb
The City of Windhoek has dismissed claims that it unprocedurally entered debt management agreement with Redforce company, saying all processes were followed to the letter.
The city’s spokesperson, Harold Akwenye said the city does not take claims of fraud and corruption in the appointment of Redforce lightly.
“I can assure you that the council will investigate the alleged claims of fraudulent activities concerning this agreement.
I am unable to provide specific details at this time. Be rest assured that appropriate actions will be taken once these allegations are confirmed,” Akwenye said.
He was responding to assertions that Redforce was fraudulently and corruptly appointed in breach of procurement laws.
Akwenye also vehemently denied allegations that the Redforce contract never went through the municipality’s procurement committee.
“Those allegations are not true. Indeed, the matter was submitted to procurement, and there was a resolution that this specific issue should be dealt with in terms of the exemptions that were granted,” he refuted.
Contacted for comment, Redforce CEO Julius Nyamazana said: “I have no comment.”
Meanwhile, the director general of the Anti-Corruption Commission, Paulus Noa, said: “ACC’s investigation relates to a complaint reported to the commission that Windhoek Municipality contracted Redforce without complying with the Public Procurement Law.
It was allegedly the decision of one official to re-contract Redforce after the initial contract ended. Affidavits have been obtained from about 10 senior officials in the municipality to provide information on the procedures that were followed. ACC is still continuing with the investigation to verify the allegations and information at hand.”
Last month, Katutura residents submitted a petition concerning their debt situation, and how the city was handling it.
They also petitioned for the introduction of prepaid electricity and water meter systems, as well as for the termination of the agreement between the city and Redforce as a debt-collector.
“Their petition is a demonstration against the City of Windhoek’s decision to use Redforce to collect debts. ACC is not concerned with who is contracted but rather with the allegations that procedures were not complied with,” Noa said.
–rrgaiseb@gmail.com