RUNDU - The Rundu Town Council has resolved not to renew the contract of incumbent Chief Executive Officer, Romanus Haironga.
The council unanimously adopted the resolution during a council meeting earlier this month and provided Haironga with a letter stating its position on the non-renewal of the contract.

Haironga took over the CEO position from Lukas Muhepa in 2008, under controversial circumstances according to sources close to the goings on. Muhepa has since received compensation of more than N$2 million after he was dismissed unfairly. Although there is an option to reapply for the position, Haironga felt there is little hope he will get the job should he decide to reapply.

“What will it help even if I apply, the same Council that has decided not to renew my contract are the ones that will deal with my application,” he responded. “At this moment Council did not present any reasons as to why my contract will not be renewed, but I will respect their decision,” he said.

Sources suggest Haironga and the Deputy Mayor, Bonny Kahare, are at loggerheads. But Haironga dispelled these allegations saying disagreements on policies should not be seen as conflict.

“During my tenure, I can safely say that I have done a lot to ensure that the town has grown, because there has been a high implementation rate of capital projects, new areas were formalized, investors are flocking to the town and the town’s financial status is quite healthy compared to how it was when I came into office,” said the CEO.

“Regardless of who takes over, I just hope within the next ten years or so, Rundu will be proclaimed as one municipality,” he told New Era.

Haironga told this reporter that should he not occupy the CEO position come next year, he will either venture into farming or seek other employment. Sources in the know, say Haironga wrote an appeal letter to the mayor who will decide whether to table it at the next Council meeting or not.

Rundu Mayor Hilka Leevi declined to comment on the issue, saying she was attending a workshop.