Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Lugeretzia Kooper
Published on 2024-03-01 15:00:00
The Zambezi Waterfront Tourism Park (ZWTP) company, a multimillion-dollar project, is facing recommendations from the Office of the Ombudsman to be dissolved immediately, with its assets transferred to the Zambezi Vocational Training Centre (ZVTC). This move comes after an investigation by the ombudsman into the alleged mismanagement of funds during the construction of the park, which was initiated in 2002 and cost N$124.1 million.
Governor Lawrence Sampofu of Zambezi requested the investigation after reports of misuse of funds surfaced. The findings of the investigation were recently presented to Sampofu by ombudsman Basilius Dyakugha in Katima Mulilo. The report strongly suggests that the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises appoint an interim board to dissolve ZWTP (Pty) Ltd and transfer its assets to ZVTC.
The ZVTC already operates a successful hospitality business and has the resources to renovate and repair the park, utilizing students for training purposes. This transformation would turn the facility into a center for hospitality training and a waterfront tourism destination at affordable rates. Alternatively, the ombudsman proposes transferring the land to the Ministry of Higher Education, Technology, and Innovation for ZVTC to run it as an educational project.
The investigation revealed significant financial mismanagement, with lack of proper financial records from 2015 to 2019. The report highlighted misuse of funds for operational expenses, fees, security, and salaries, despite vandalism and neglect of infrastructure. There were discrepancies in expenses, with a request for N$10 million untraceable and the asset value significantly lower than funds received.
The lack of proper records and time elapsed since the project’s inception make it challenging to gather sufficient evidence for legal action. Governor Sampofu has pledged to review the report’s findings and consider implementing the recommendations for accountability.
In conclusion, the recommendation to dissolve ZWTP and transfer its assets to ZVTC or an educational institution aims to rectify the mismanagement of public funds and allow for more transparent and accountable governance of the tourism park. It is a step towards ensuring that state resources are utilized effectively and that projects are managed responsibly to benefit the community and contribute to economic development.
Read the original article on The Namibian
