Inhabitants of Karibib, Usakos and surrounding settlements in the Erongo Region have expressed dismay over the alleged recruitment of 60 machine operators at QKR Namibia Navachab Gold Mine on 17 May 2021.

Speaking to Nampa on Wednesday, the vice director of Great Erongo Community Development Association (GECDA) Raymond Tjiuongua said that to the dismay of the region’s inhabitants, applicants that were interviewed for the positions were all not from the region, but instead from the far southern and northern regions.

Another issue the communities are also complaining about is that of a questionnaire used for written interviews, which has been circulating on social media prior to the interviews.

“We have on many occasions tried to negotiate with the mine’s top management to also give a preference of employment to the locals,” he said.

Tjiuongua suggested that the mine’s management consider implementing a structure that will allow at least three members of the community to be involved in the recruitment and tender processes of the mine.

The inhabitants of Karibib, Usakos and surrounding settlements recently handed over a petition to the mine management on 25 March 2021 in which the group asked for the removal of some managerial staff with immediate effect.

“We would like some answers and for our complaints to be dealt with accordingly. We did get a response from the mine but nothing is being done. We want to see action. What the mine has responded is not 100 per cent of what we want as the inhabitants of the region. We the GECDA members will still hold a peaceful demonstration once more,” said Tjiuongua.

Contacted for comment on Thursday, Communications Consultant of QKR Namibia Navachab Mine Usi ||Hoebeb said questions posted by the agency could not be answered as input of investors is needed before any information could be shared with the agency.

“The management is aware of the allegations and had previously responded to the group in writing. We will however respond to the latest allegations in due course,” he said.

Source: Namibia Press Agency