Otjiwarongo CEO accused of ‘double-dipping’ on housing benefits…allegedly resides in council-owned house while receiving a housing allowance

Renthia Kaimbi

Chief executive officer of the Otjiwarongo municipality, Mberipura Hifitikeko is facing allegations of unlawfully receiving a housing allowance while simultaneously residing in a council-owned property, a practice that violates government policy and may constitute a criminal offence under Namibian law.

The “double-dipping” practice is expressly forbidden by government housing policy, which prohibits any individual from receiving a housing subsidy while occupying a state-owned house.

Under the council’s staff regulations on housing benefits, every staff member is entitled to a housing allowance only if they own and occupy a house or lease and occupy a house, unless that staff member occupies accommodation provided by the council.