UDF throws hat into ring at Usakos

THE United Democratic Front (UDF) says it fully supports disgruntled residents at Usakos who are pressing for the removal of corrupt officials.

UDF Member of Parliament Gustofien Tjombe said in a statement yesterday that the party would not deny its members the right to replace councillors at the town – as they did at Khorixas two weeks ago. This follows claims by the Concerned Group of residents that it is not convinced the party will take the same steps as it did at Khorixas because, they allege, the town’s Mayor, Michael Goreseb, and two UDF councillors are related to UDF President Justus //Garoeb.”It is not true that [the] Chief is related to them, maybe only by virtue of all being from one traditional community,” said Tjombe.Khorixas residents approached the party two weeks ago to remove their Mayor, Gerson /Goagoseb, and two management committee members, Erwin /Howaseb and Petrus Ukongo, saying they did not serve the interests of residents.The UDF said it had not been informed about Minister of Local Government Joel Kaapanda’s visit to Usakos last week, nor had it received any information on progress made into allegations of mismanagement.Tjombe said the party could not be blamed for matters about which they were never consulted.The UDF MP claimed that opposition parties found it difficult to gain Government support for the replacement of corrupt council and administrative staff at local authorities “Why don’t Swapo take a lead at Usakos, where we have an equal number of councillors, by removing theirs?” asked Tjombe.This follows claims by the Concerned Group of residents that it is not convinced the party will take the same steps as it did at Khorixas because, they allege, the town’s Mayor, Michael Goreseb, and two UDF councillors are related to UDF President Justus //Garoeb. “It is not true that [the] Chief is related to them, maybe only by virtue of all being from one traditional community,” said Tjombe. Khorixas residents approached the party two weeks ago to remove their Mayor, Gerson /Goagoseb, and two management committee members, Erwin /Howaseb and Petrus Ukongo, saying they did not serve the interests of residents. The UDF said it had not been informed about Minister of Local Government Joel Kaapanda’s visit to Usakos last week, nor had it received any information on progress made into allegations of mismanagement. Tjombe said the party could not be blamed for matters about which they were never consulted. The UDF MP claimed that opposition parties found it difficult to gain Government support for the replacement of corrupt council and administrative staff at local authorities “Why don’t Swapo take a lead at Usakos, where we have an equal number of councillors, by removing theirs?” asked Tjombe.