Lüderitz struggles to formulate charges against finance manager

LACK of manpower at the Lüderitz Town Council has been delaying an investigation into incompetence allegations against its finance manager, Thomas Shipepe.

Shipepe was suspended with pay in October last year, but the investigation has not been finalised. Since then he has been earning his full monthly pay will all benefits. Shipepe earns an annual salary of N$543 000, including fringe benefits. He has been suspended to pave the way for an investigation into his alleged ‘incapacity’ to carry out the duties and functions of the finance department.Shipepe’s alleged incompetence came to light after auditors who were working on the 2008 and 2009 financial reports in 2010 could not express an opinion on the financial statements and cash flow of the council. The council’s human resource manager, Otto Shipanga, yesterday said the investigation against Shipepe had been delayed by a vacant chief accountant’s position.He added that the investigation had been completed and charges compiled against Shipepe following the appointment of a chief accountant at the council in March. Shipanga said the council was in the process of informing Shipepe of the charges against him.He said once the council has informed Shipepe of the charges he would be summoned to appear before a disciplinary hearing.