Kunene cash freeze leaves workers dry
Kunene Regional Council employees are facing a looming financial crisis after funds allocated to the council were blocked, leaving staff without salaries for March and April. The situation has sparked political backlash and legal action, with calls mounting for the immediate release of the funds. The development was revealed by Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) secretary […] The post Kunene cash freeze leaves workers dry appeared first on The Namibian.
Black News 
Kunene Regional Council employees are facing a looming financial crisis after funds allocated to the council were blocked, leaving staff without salaries for March and April.
The situation has sparked political backlash and legal action, with calls mounting for the immediate release of the funds.
The development was revealed by Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) secretary general Manuel Ngaringombe during a party press conference yesterday.
The Kunene region is considered a PDM stronghold.
The funds were blocked following a directive issued last month by minister of urban and rural development James Sankwasa, who cited what he described as the unprocedural appointment of acting chief regional officer George Kamseb in 2021.
The council attempted to appeal the directive, however, it was unsuccessful. It has since taken the matter to the High Court, challenging the legality of the minister’s decision to freeze the funds.
Ngaringombe said the consequences of the directive are severe, as administrative staff, including strategic and support personnel employed under the Public Service framework, are now at risk of not receiving their salaries.
“What is worse is that with the funds blocked, council staff members who have been carrying out their duties will not be paid for March and April,” he said.
He added that the council is now forced to explore alternative means to pay staff, raising concerns about the feasibility of such efforts.
The situation has also affected councillors’ salaries, travel allowances and subsistence claims.
Only councillors who are members of the National Council will continue to receive salaries, as they are paid directly through that body.
Ngaringombe called for the immediate release of the funds, arguing that an alleged procedural error by an individual should not jeopardise the livelihoods of all council employees.
He urged Sankwasa to act within the law and allow due legal processes to take their course.
Ngaringombe warned that actions perceived to be outside the law undermine governance and could lead to service delivery disruptions, ultimately affecting residents.
UNLAWFUL
Kunene Regional Council chairperson Western Muharukua also criticises the directive, describing it as unlawful.
He says the council is exploring alternative ways to ensure staff are paid.
“As long as the acting chief regional officer remains in his position, the minister is adamant that the funds will not be released. This implies the council will operate without funds, which is unheard of,” he says.
Meanwhile, Association of Regional Councils president Matengu Simushi condemns the move, calling it unacceptable.
He argues that the minister has no authority to block funds intended for civil servants’ salaries and council operations.
Simushi emphasises that one individual’s issue should not affect the entire council. He suggests that dialogue should have been pursued to resolve the matter.
The post Kunene cash freeze leaves workers dry appeared first on The Namibian.
