Walvis mayor denies illegal trips and expenditure

Walvis Bay mayor Trevino Forbes says his trips are for the benefit of residents rather than personal gain.

Forbes on Wednesday responded to allegations from some council members that he was undertaking trips without their input.

The allegations follow a request for council approval for Forbes to attend the Covenant of Mayors in Sub-Saharan Africa (CoM SSA) meeting, which took place in September. While there was no council meeting before the trip, Forbes’ attendance was condoned by the management committee.

Forbes said he has not done anything illegal.

“I previously declined claiming S&T for some of my trips, which is about N$60 000. However, I claimed for the one under discussion, which was a sponsored trip rate … My trip was condoned by the management committee. Nothing was done illegally.”

Forbes claims that his travels raise money to benefit the town. “On one of my previous trips to Dubai, I came back with N$ 1 million that was spent on youth climate projects” he said.

Walvis Bay councillors yesterday said that, despite the trips yielding results, they are supposed to be involved in discussions before travel is approved.

“Why is the matter brought to council now? Management already recommended and resolved without our input. The mayor already travelled,” said councillor Albertina Nkoshi.

“Breaking the law is breaking the law. You are doing a good job, but it must be done procedurally. It was wrongfully done,” said councillor Ephraim Shozi.