The Henties Bay municipal council has issued a media statement defending its acting chief executive officer, Ignasia Neis, and clarifying the facts surrounding the recent collapse of the town’s prepaid water vending system.
The move comes after recent public remarks attributed to the minister of urban and rural development, James Sankwasa and media reports, allegedly created the impression that the challenges faced by the municipality were the result of failures by a single official.
The council stated the recent crisis, which left residents unable to purchase prepaid water, was caused when the contractor, Item Engineering CC, unilaterally suspended the system during an ongoing contractual dispute.
“The matter arose when Item Engineering CC unilaterally suspended the prepaid water vending system during an ongoing contractual payment dispute,” the Council clarified.
They further noted that the agreement does not authorise the contractor to suspend the service to enforce payment.
“It is council’s considered understanding that the agreement does not authorise the contractor to suspend the prepaid water vending system as a mechanism for enforcing payment during a contractual dispute.”
Faced with the immediate risk to residents, the municipality acted without delay under the leadership of the Acting CEO.
“Under the leadership of the Acting Chief Executive Officer, the municipal administration implemented emergency measures to safeguard uninterrupted access to water. Municipal officials worked around the clock to replace prepaid water meters with conventional meters, thereby ensuring that residents continued to receive an essential basic service.”
The council moved to correct what it termed an “incomplete” perception of events, placing the full facts before the public.
Council placed on record that the Acting Chief Executive Officer did not initiate or procure the prepaid water meter project and inherited the financial obligations upon assuming office.
“The acting chief executive officer did not initiate or procure the prepaid water meter project… She implemented Council resolutions and fulfilled the Municipality’s contractual obligations.”
Council further noted that Neis had repeatedly reportedly informed both the ministry and the contractor that the settlement of the outstanding balance was dependent on government funding.
They also confirmed that at no stage was the municipality’s water supply interrupted, correcting the impression created by recent media reports suggesting that Henties Bay experienced a water crisis. This is factually incorrect.”
The council also highlighted her role in achieving “significant institutional progress,” including the successful completion of several municipal development projects that were officially inaugurated by the Minister in November 2025.
“Council is satisfied that throughout this matter the Acting Chief Executive Officer discharged her responsibilities lawfully, professionally, diligently, and in the best interests of the Municipality and its residents.”
Having considered the chronology, the Henties Bay municipal council unanimously reaffirmed its full confidence in Neis.
“Council is satisfied that she has discharged her responsibilities diligently, professionally, lawfully, and in accordance with Council resolutions, Ministerial directives, and her statutory obligations under exceptionally difficult circumstances.”
Council also noted that no formal Performance Agreement has been concluded with Neis, and that any assessment of her performance should be undertaken through proper governance processes rather than through public pronouncements.
In conclusion, the Council expressed its commitment to work constructively with all stakeholders to resolve the outstanding issues, reaffirming that its priority remains the people of Henties Bay.
