EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Challenges in Transparency: A Perspective from Katutura Resident’s Committee Member Shaun Gariseb on City of Windhoek

In the landscape of governance and municipal administration, transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of a healthy and functional democracy. However, recent events in Windhoek have shed light on concerning patterns of opacity within the City of Windhoek’s operations, raising questions about accountability and public trust.

Shaun Gariseb, a member of the Katutura Resident’s Committee, recently shared insights into the challenges faced when attempting to engage with the City of Windhoek on matters of public interest. Gariseb, along with other community leaders, embarked on a journey to various oversight bodies to seek clarification and action on pressing issues affecting residents.

Their journey took them first to the Ombudsman’s office, where they sought information on the status of their demands and the level of engagement between the Ombudsman and the City of Windhoek. Disconcertingly, Gariseb revealed that despite efforts, the Ombudsman had encountered difficulties in securing cooperation from the city authorities, with Windhoek being singled out as an outlier in terms of accessibility and transparency.

This revelation raises concerns about the City of Windhoek’s commitment to accountability and its responsiveness to oversight mechanisms. Gariseb highlighted that such reluctance to engage with oversight bodies undermines the principles of good governance and leaves residents disillusioned with the mechanisms meant to safeguard their interests.

Further inquiries led Gariseb and his team to the Competition Commission, where they encountered similar challenges in accessing vital documents related to the city’s operations. Despite assurances from oversight bodies, including the Competition Commission and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the City of Windhoek’s apparent reluctance to cooperate suggests a systemic issue that warrants urgent attention.

Gariseb emphasized that the lack of transparency exhibited by the City of Windhoek not only impedes the work of oversight bodies but also erodes public trust and confidence in the municipal administration. The failure to provide access to essential information not only obstructs investigations but also hampers efforts to address issues of public concern effectively.

Despite the hurdles faced, Gariseb remains resolute in his commitment to holding the City of Windhoek accountable and ensuring that residents’ voices are heard. He underscored the importance of continued advocacy and collective action in demanding transparency and accountability from municipal authorities.

As the fight for transparency in Windhoek continues, it is imperative that stakeholders, including residents, civil society organizations, and oversight bodies, remain vigilant and unwavering in their pursuit of good governance. Only through collective efforts can meaningful change be achieved, and the principles of transparency and accountability upheld for the betterment of all residents.