GOBABIS, 10 SEP (NAMPA) - The future of suspended Chief Regional Officer of the Omaheke Regional Council, Pederius Tjihoreko remains unclear.
He was suspended in April for alleged insubordination, and failure to implement council decisions.
Although both Tjihoreko and the chairperson of the Regional Council, Ignatius Kariseb remained tight-lipped on the actual charges which motivated the suspension, the view from sources at the Regional Council is that the suspension was a result of a drawn-out misunderstanding between the two.
Kariseb on Tuesday told Nampa that the matter was still under investigation, noting that although the investigations are at an advanced stage, no date has been set when such investigations are expected to be finalised.
He would also not be drawn into commenting on the nature of the investigations.
"All I can say is that we have launched investigations into the matter, which are still ongoing. I cannot divulge any further information than that," he stated.
This news agency has learnt from sources – who prefer to remain unnamed - that relations between Tjihoreko and Kariseb had soured over the years, mainly as a result of apparent blurry reporting channels at the Regional Council.
Tjihoreko, who was seen to be close to former Regional Governor Laura McLeod-Katjirua, had apparently not been following correct reporting lines when dealing with council issues.
This state of affairs, which meant Kariseb was mostly in the dark over the implementation of various council resolutions, appear to have infuriated the latter.
Tjihoreko, on the other hand, allegedly felt that issues to do with administration were under his domain, and did not need the involvement of the council.
When contacted for comment on Tuesday, Tjihoreko said he is yet to hear from the Regional Council on the findings of the investigations.
"All I can say is that I am just waiting on the findings of the report. I leave it all in the hands of the council," he noted.
Council has in the meantime appointed the Director of General Services, Maria Vaendwanawa, in an acting capacity as Chief Regional Officer.
Tjihoreko has been suspended with full benefits.