Khorixas
Kunene Regional Council chairperson Julius Kaujova told New Era recently that many constituencies in the region operate without staff and as a result the implemention of development programmes is heavily affected.
Kaujova says only Khorixas and Opuwo Urban constituencies are fully staffed and have chief control officers, while the other five constituencies – Outjo, Kamanjab, Epupa, Opuwo Rural and Sesfontien – are inadequately staffed, which negatively affects project implementation.
“We (constituency councillors) have realised that constituencies are the backbone of regional development, as constituency councillors are just mobile persons and need support staff to work with the community on a day-to-day basis,” Kaujova said.
Sesfontien – for which Kaujova is the constituency councillor – only has one cleaner and a senior administration officer, he said. At Sesfontien Constituency office administrative clerk Bernadus
/Hoeb performs numerous tasks due to the lack of staff and Kaujova praised him and all others at various constituencies for their commitment.
Kaujova said there is no way Kunene residents can talk about development while constituency offices are not well staffed. “There is no way we can reduce poverty and unemployment while we sit with a pile of posts not filled,” said Kaujova.
More than 12 posts in the region, ranging from accountants, administrative officers to clerks have lately been advertised in the newspapers and the closing date is July 15. Kaujova hopes by September all the vacant post will be filled and work will proceed more smoothly in various constituencies and at Kunene Regional Council, which also lacks staff.
”Effective governance and service delivery will be carried out as we embrace the Harambee Prosperity Plan (HHP),” he added.
Kamanjab Constituency Councillor Engenesia Tjaritje-Esingue said her office does not have a chief control officer and those who are acting in the role are suspected by the public of having been installed due to political patronage rather than qualifications.
She added that some of their work performed by unqualified officers is not satisfactory and called on qualified people to apply for the posts advertised.