Africa-Press – Namibia. Urban and Rural Development Minister James Sankwasa has urged regional and local authority councillors to consider Namibian companies when awarding tenders.
The call also covers local participation in the implementation of development projects.
This is contained in a speech delivered on his behalf by his deputy, Evelyn !Nawases-Taeyele, during the induction workshop of regional and local authority councillors on Monday.
The week-long workshop is being held to enhance the capacity of newly elected councillors, management and administrative staff to manage their institutions effectively and deliver quality services to their communities.
Sankwasa said government procurement must create stable jobs and livelihood opportunities for Namibians.
“For too long we have witnessed a preference for foreign nationals in the name of ‘good track record’ and the cheapest price being offered opportunities. The time for Namibia first has come,” he said.
He also reminded councillors that the Public Procurement Act clearly promotes empowerment and industrialisation, including job creation for Namibian citizens, support for small and medium enterprises, women and youth, and the sourcing of goods and services locally.
Therefore, he said, procurements must be geared towards job creation for Namibians and empowering Namibian-registered SMEs.
However, Sankwasa cautioned councils not to simply award tenders to companies because they are registered in Namibia. He added that a thorough background check should also be conducted in terms of ownership and majority shareholding in companies getting tenders.
“Namibians who are part of joint ventures with foreign companies hardly report for duty, as they are bought out even before the ink dries,” he said.
The minister said local authorities and regional councils should strongly consider supporting local manufacturing and entrepreneurship.
“We have more shebeens in Namibia than factories, he said.”
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