By Magreth Nunuhe
WINDHOEK – Otjozondjupa regional governor Samuel Nuuyoma said accusations made against the Okahandja municipality are “unfounded” and seem to be based on hearsay rather than on evidence. Hundreds of residents took to streets of Okahandja last Monday, demanding that the whole council and heads of municipal departments be sacked as they have been allegedly ‘stealing’ from the community unabatedly by selling land to those they favour. But speaking to New Era this week, an evasive Nuuyoma said: “The lives of the people of Okahandja will continue.” He said that he found nothing wrong with matters at the municipality as he has not seen any documents proving wrongdoing. “I cannot comment as there is nothing on black and white,” he maintained, saying that he could guarantee that there would be process to create peace and stability at the town. The beleaguered town council has made headlines for the wrong reasons in recent weeks, with counter accusations between councillors and several demonstrations by residents demanding better service delivery. Nuuyoma has previously intervened to solve infightings between Okahandja councillors, but remained mum on the residents’ qualms saying that it was their right to march “whether correct or not” as long as they know where their rights end. In a petition addressed to President Hifikepunye Pohamba, Swapo secretary-general Nangoloh Mbumba, Prime Minister Hage Geingob, Minister of Regional, Local Government and Housing Charles Namoloh, director general of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Paulus Noah and Nuuyoma, the residents demand the immediate removal of Mayor Valarie Aron, all councillors and the heads of departments at the municipality. The residents demand that they also pay N$13.91 per square meter that the municipality allegedly gave to well-known property developer Dr Thomas Ihuhua of Tura Properties. They say that they have called on Namoloh to act by removing the councillors as he did at Omaruru where he suspended the entire council, but he did not respond favourably to date. The residents further want a ‘lifestyle audit’ to be conducted on the councillors as they apparently live above their means. The Okahandja community further says that it does not understand that despite the mayor having a criminal case (case number 159/05) dating back to 2006, she is still serving in the council. They further demand that the municipal council and its committees open their meetings to the public, which includes service delivery agreements, the budget, any by-law, any amendments to integrated development plan and a performance management system or its amendments. Approached for comment, Namoloh declined to comment, saying he would hold press conference soon. Town mayor Aron said she would not be unsettled by individuals with own political and tribal agendas who are fighting for positions under the guise of service delivery.