NamPower silent on top suspensions

While NamPower was tight-lipped on the suspension of three of its top managers over tender irregularities yesterday, its board of directors convened an urgent staff meeting to inform them of the suspensions. News about the suspensions was apparently leaked to the media before the three managers were even informed about it. On Wednesday night the news broke on social media that the NamPower board had held an emergency meeting at which Managing Director Paulinus Shilamba was suspended. The board also suspended O’Brien Hekandjo, who is the Chief Officer of Technical Services, and Senior Manager for Energy Trading Werner Graupe. However, yesterday morning the three were apparently still blissfully unaware of their suspension and only learned about it in the media. Addressing the staff meeting yesterday was board member Albert Boesak said it was shocking that the news had been leaked to the media before it could be officially announced. “You should know that what is happening now is not because of what was reported in the media.” Boesak informed staff that the board had met a few weeks ago to discuss a forensic audit report by Saunderson and Company and decided that the findings must be addressed. The report implicated Shilamba, Hekandjo and Graupe in an investigation which confirmed that the power utility had spent N$30 million on a contract that was only supposed to cost N$2 million. The contract was awarded to audit firm KPMG for commercial and advisory services to NamPower on its 250MW power project, which is supposed to be a stopgap measure until the Kudu gas-to-power plant is running. Boesak yesterday said it was disturbing not only for NamPower staff, board and management, but also for the highest office in the country to continue learning about irregularities at the company in the media. He stressed that any irregularities at the company must be addressed, but added that employees should remember that the suspensions do not mean the three managers are guilty. “They may be exonerated and may be back at work within a few weeks.” He said disciplinary processes will take place as soon as possible. The charges against the three have apparently not been finalised but will be based on the findings of the audit report. The new acting managing director of NamPower, Hanri Jacobs, was also introduced to the staff. Speaking to Namibian Sun yesterday Graupe said he is currently out of the country and knows nothing of any suspensions. He said he will only be back in office on Monday. According to him he was contacted by a reporter on Monday and questioned about the audit report. According to Graupe the report was dismissed by the board as inaccurate. Shilamba also said he had not been informed of any suspension. “Currently I am still in the office as we are speaking,” he said yesterday morning. Asked about the allegations against him and his colleagues, Shilamba did not want to comment. “I can confirm that I did not receive any suspension letter,” he said, but added that he had learned about the news in the media. When phoned later Shilamba did not want to comment and referred all questions to the board. Namibian Sun managed to reach Andre Barlow of Investor Relations at Nampower, who said nobody was available for comment. NamPower Company Secretary Susan Mavula also declined to comment. Nampower board chairperson Maria Natale, Minister of Mines and Energy Obeth Kandjoze and the Minister of Public Enterprises, Leon Jooste, could not be reached for comment. WINDHOEK ELLANIE SMIT