Boois and Jacobs bury the hatchet

TWO Karas Regional Council officials with a history of mutual distrust bordering on outright enmity have set aside their differences to tackle the region’s socio-economic growth.

In a media statement on Wednesday, Local Government Minister John Pandeni said Governor Dawid Boois and his Chief Regional Officer, Salmaan Jacobs, had buried the hatchet in a meeting he mediated. Pandeni said it was clear from the meeting that the two officials wanted to reconcile, adding that the friction between them had more to do with a lack of communication than inherent differences.At the meeting both Boois and Jacobs were given a chance to clear the air.The two officials have been accusing each other of maladministration and failing to spearhead development in the region.The rift was further deepened by an article in The Namibian over claims for expenses that Jacobs submitted after a trip to Germany.According to Jacobs, Boois had authorised the trip, but the Governor said he had not.The Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating whether Jacobs was guilty of embezzling Council money with regard to the trip.Pandeni said it was clear from the meeting that the two officials wanted to reconcile, adding that the friction between them had more to do with a lack of communication than inherent differences.At the meeting both Boois and Jacobs were given a chance to clear the air.The two officials have been accusing each other of maladministration and failing to spearhead development in the region.The rift was further deepened by an article in The Namibian over claims for expenses that Jacobs submitted after a trip to Germany.According to Jacobs, Boois had authorised the trip, but the Governor said he had not.The Anti-Corruption Commission is investigating whether Jacobs was guilty of embezzling Council money with regard to the trip.