Sankwasa threatens action over Keetmans’ money crisis
Namibian Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa has threatened administrative action against the Keetmanshoop Municipality due to a severe financial crisis. The council is struggling with debt and potential payroll issues, leading to calls for greater accountability from local leadership.
Why it matters
It illustrates the challenges of local governance and fiscal mismanagement in regional municipalities.
URBAN and rural development minister James Sankwasa says his ministry is going to take unspecified action against the administration of the Keetmanshoop Municipality as it undergoes a financial crisis.
Sankwasa, who says the council will not be bailed out with taxpayers’ money, accused it of deliberately contributing to its own financial predicament.
He says the municipality has been facing cash flow challenges for the longest time and using finances from capital development projects to fund operations.
It was reported this week that the municipality may be unable to pay its employees for October, amid mounting concerns over the council’s nearly N$100-million debt to Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater).
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