Africa-Press – Namibia. Marthina Mutanga THE Otjozondjupa Regional Council and three security companies are at loggerheads over a decision by the council to withhold the final payment owed to the companies pending proof that all security guards under their employ have been paid.
Chairperson of the Otjozondjupa Regional Council, Marlayn Mbakera, explained that the decision to withdraw the last and final payment is a stand against the abuse of security guards in the region.
According to Mbakera, after a three year procurement contract between the regional council and three security companies came to an end, the regional council learned that some security guards working for said companies had not received their salaries for up to five months.
Without mentioning the three security companies, Mbakera, who is also the Otjiwarongo constituency councillor, wrote on her Facebook account today that new service providers have signed contracts that are pro-security guards and will protect and safeguard their personnel.
“The Otjozondjupa Regional Council has taken a stand against (the) abuse of security guards in the region,” she wrote. Speaking to Informanté, Mbakera said security guards mostly work long hours while risking their lives.
She added that the deteriorating situation of low wages, violation of contractual agreements, delayed or non-payment of wages and benefits, and in most cases, the unfair dismissal of employees should come to an end.
“We are currently fighting with the old service providers and they are threatening us and us them because we want to make sure their security guards are paid, but moving forward we are going to draft new contract that will ensure that those doing business with us pay their security guards every month without delay,” she said.
Mbakera lastly encouraged the labour ministry to redouble its efforts in fighting labour matters. “Let us all be proactive and reach out to the people so that they know their rights,” she said.
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