Monitor Hompa fishing funds’ spending

DISGRUNTLED WATCHDOG WRITES:

I am dumb-founded by the various versions given by the respective recognised traditional authorities in Namibia on how fishing quota funds were spend. It almost sounds as if they were given different terms of references or guidelines as to how to spend these monies.

However, I was listening to Mr. Lesley Gariseb when he was speaking on the Damara/Nama radio service on the 25 August 2021. I could notice that he was speaking from a position of authority, but I don’t know what position he holds either on the Namibia Traditional Authorities Association or the Hompa Fishing (Pty) Ltd?

He acknowledged that there are some divisions among the subjects of the respective traditional authorities. He put it in no uncertain terms that the vehicle assistance should be put aside and that programs be advised from which the communities should benefit directly. Only this would make a difference in the life’s if the respective traditional communities.

Equally, did he put it peremptorily and unambiguously on record that some traditional authorities didn’t report back to the communities that they have received money to the tune of N$230 000, of which a portion was reserved for the various chiefs/headmen.

It is deplorable and regrettable that some didn’t divulge the receipt of these monies and are talking about undisclosed guidelines on the spending of these monies. Some are not even willing to assist school drop-outs to improve their marks, to enroll for short courses, i.e. computer courses and secretarial courses.

To my surprise they are talking about unspecified smaller projects, like giving a facelift to office buildings etc. Who eats buildings and what would have happened to those projects had it not have been for the Hompa fishing funding?

I personally informed Chiefs Kambazembi and Philemon as well as the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), who are both reluctant to pronounce themselves on the matter for reasons best known to them only. I suspect the embezzlement of these funds, as it was thrown in the den of hungry lions. The likelihood is very high that these monies will be misappropriated.

Even the acting chairperson of the Council of Traditional Leaders, Hon. Immanuel/Gâseb has been informed about these developments, who has also elected to remain silent on this matter.

Now, my question is what mysterious projects do they want to carry out with these funds?

Therefore, I finally and unconditionally demand that the sponsors of these monies demand quarterly or annual audited reports from the recipients of these funds. I will leave no stone unturned, until justice is done. I am suspecting corruption and hegemonic autocracy by some iron-hand traditional authorities in the handling of these funds.