Fisheries Observers strike

A STRIKE at the coastal town of Walvis Bay by personnel of the Fisheries Observer Agency is receiving “maximum attention” from the relevant Ministry and Board of Directors.

Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister Abraham Iyambo said in Windhoek yesterday that the strike, which was apparently sparked because of salary adjustment issues and alleged corruption, is continuing. He said the Agency’s management was doing its best to ensure that the case was handled effectively.Iyambo, who confirmed that he had received a petition listing grievances late last week, said a meeting had been scheduled for next week at Swakopmund, where Board members and the management of the Fisheries Observer Agency would look at various ways to resolve the situation.”The petition contains two separate issues, the salary increment and alleged malpractices.These two issues have been divided, and each will be handled on its own,” the Minister said.He added that the issue of alleged corruption and fraud would require an in-depth investigation.- NampaHe said the Agency’s management was doing its best to ensure that the case was handled effectively.Iyambo, who confirmed that he had received a petition listing grievances late last week, said a meeting had been scheduled for next week at Swakopmund, where Board members and the management of the Fisheries Observer Agency would look at various ways to resolve the situation.”The petition contains two separate issues, the salary increment and alleged malpractices.These two issues have been divided, and each will be handled on its own,” the Minister said.He added that the issue of alleged corruption and fraud would require an in-depth investigation.- Nampa