Martin Endjala
The Lüderitz Town Council is facing challenges in service delivery due to ongoing staff shortages, with several key positions remaining vacant for years.
The council announced various vacancies in November 2024, including posts for a chief executive officer, a chief procurement officer, a chief technician of infrastructure, a supervisor for roads and streets, and two electricians.
The deadline for applications is set for 14 February.
Lüderitz Mayor Phillippus Balhao told the Windhoek Observer last week that, despite the staff shortages, council operations have continued without major disruptions.
However, he acknowledged the added workload and pressure on acting personnel as unsustainable.
“Especially considering the immense time pressures we are under with our limited capacity to prepare for Lüderitz, which at times prolongs certain activities/processes that are of high priority or urgency,” he said.
Balhao praised the council’s employees for their dedication and hard work but emphasised the human element in the challenges they face.
“Consider that they are working with human beings and they fall sick or need leave for various reasons from time to time. This also contributes to the pressure and sometimes leaves a vacuum that is less than desirable,” he said.
Delays in council operations, he noted, are often caused by the procurement process, which hampers progress.
Despite these issues, the council has managed to maintain continuity in its functions.
“We have been advertising many of these positions for more than a financial year. It’s just been difficult to find the right candidates for these positions (many critical factors at play),” he cited.
Some posts were readvertised due to issues identified during the interviewing and shortlisting processes.
Meanwhile, employees have been acting in the vacant positions to ensure the council’s duties are performed.
The urgency to fill these roles has become a top priority as the pressure on the administration continues to grow.
Balhao highlighted the importance of appointing suitable candidates, particularly in light of upcoming developments in oil and gas, green hydrogen, and other initiatives expected in Lüderitz over the next five years.
“We need members who will be game changers and leaders from their fields,” he stated.
A management committee and council meeting scheduled for this week will include discussions on other vacancies.
