The mayor of Katima Mulilo, John Likando, has decided to step down from the position. Likando submitted the notice early last month.

"I already wrote a letter early last month that I was stepping down as I have been in the seat far too long - and this should not come as a surprise as I have to move on and do something else in life," said Likando last week.

Likando is the youngest and longest serving mayor of Katima Mulilo after spending six consecutive years in the position. He was elected in May of 2006 as mayor when he was only 27 years old. When asked about what prompted his decision to step down, Likando was reluctant to divulge much information, maintaining only that he wanted to explore other avenues.

"It is good to leave when things are still stable not only when you mess up. One should be able to leave a legacy. I already wanted to step down last year, but I was asked to continue for some time. I disclosed my reasons in a letter I wrote to the party," was all Likando was prepared to say.

Likando is credited for having played a major role in many major projects at Katima Mulilo. Among them is the construction and maintenance of roads; the formalisation of informal settlements; the establishment of a new CBD at the town; the procurement of heavy equipment and machinery, as well as the introduction of council bylaws dealing with, amongst others, debt collection.

The swearing-in of a new mayor is likely to take place on December 11, 2012. Likando's term was due to end in 2014.

Meanwhile, the public relations officer of the Katima Mulilo Town Council, Chrispin Muyoba, has been suspended for three months with full pay.

Details concerning his suspension were sketchy, but sources say his suspension emanates from alleged abuse of vehicles belonging to the council. A source who preferred anonymity said a physical confrontation almost ensued between Muyoba and the chief executive officer, Charles Nawa, after Muyoba was served with a letter suspending him from operating council vehicles. This prompted the CEO to write Muyoba a suspension letter. The CEO was unavailable for comment by the time of going to print.