Omaheke gets new Chief Regional Officer

GOBABIS, 05 APR – The Omaheke Regional Council on Tuesday ended its search for a chief regional officer (CRO), when it effectively appointed Maria Vaendwanawa in the position.
The appointment ended five years of operating without a substantive CRO, following the suspension and eventual departure of Pederius Tjihoreko.
Tjihoreko was initially suspended on allegations of insubordination, amongst other charges, but was never tried on such allegations.
His term, however, lapsed five years ago while he was still on suspension, and was never renewed.
Vaendwanawa has been acting in the position since Tjihoreko’s departure and finally got the nod to fill the position effective 01 April, following a protracted recruitment drive.
Announcing the appointment on Tuesday, Chairperson of the Management Committee, Ignatius Kariseb said he was relieved that the search for a CRO was finally over.
“It has been a long search and we can all finally breathe a sigh of relief now that we have a CRO,” he said.
He tasked the CRO to place the finalisation of the council’s Strategic Plan high on her priority list, as it has been long pending.
Kariseb noted that the Strategic Plan is expected to drive the implementation of council resolutions, while guiding the execution of programmes and projects within the regional council.
“I understand that the draft Strategic Plan is at the Office of the Prime Minister for review; we need to act on it and follow up to make sure that this document is put into practice as soon as possible,” he said.
The incoming CRO used the opportunity to pledge her commitment to the implementation of council resolutions, and the effective and prudent management of resources at the council.
Vaendwanawa pleaded for support from all stakeholders that have dealings with the regional council, saying this will make her work easier.
“We all have a role to play in delivering services to the people of Omaheke; as such let us work together in order to make sure our work has a greater impact on the people we are obliged to serve,” said Vaendwanawa.
The event was attended by heads of Government offices, ministries and agencies, and the staff of the Omaheke Regional Council.

NAMPA