Africa-Press – Namibia. THE Namibia Water Corporation’s (NamWater) Head of Public Relations, Lot Ndamanomhata, has rejected the suggestion that NamWater does not support local contractor participation in key water infrastructure projects.
“The suggestion that NamWater does not empower local contractors is not only misleading but also counterproductive to our national development goals. NamWater remains dedicated to collaborating with Namibian companies to deliver reliable water infrastructure and services across the country, while ensuring compliance with funding agreements for major projects,” Ndamanomhata said.
This follows claims that NamWater favours foreign contractors over local ones, particularly in light of challenges faced by some local contractors in meeting project deadlines.
The Ogongo-Oshakati water pipeline replacement project has recently been put in the spotlight, as the project, valued at N$236,838,202 (inclusive of VAT), was awarded to different foreign contractors: China Gezhouba Group Company Ltd, China Jiangxi Economic and Technical International Corporation Ltd, and New Era Investment Pty Ltd JV CCCC Origin Water Construction Group Co. Ltd.
Ndamanomhata clarified that the Ogongo-Oshakati project is a large-scale initiative funded through international agreements. As such, he explained, it followed the Open International Bidding (OIB) process, as stipulated by the financing agreement between the Government of Namibia and KfW Development Bank, which ensures compliance with donor requirements and attracts qualified bidders for complex projects.
“This agreement mandates adherence to KfW procurement requirements alongside Namibia’s Public Procurement Act. The tender was open to both local and international bidders, with evaluations based on technical and financial criteria. The selected contractors demonstrated the necessary capacity, expertise, and ability to meet the project’s requirements and timelines. Nevertheless, even for internationally financed projects, NamWater remains committed to maximising local benefits. Contractors awarded such tenders must employ Namibian labour and subcontract to local businesses, ensuring direct economic benefits to Namibian communities,” Ndamanomhata said.
He emphasised that, contrary to claims that NamWater overlooks local contractors, the corporation has a proven track record of awarding substantial projects to Namibian companies, both independently and through joint ventures. He highlighted the Omdel to Henties Bay Pipeline Replacement Project, awarded to Strydo Construction cc for N$13.9 million, the Shamvhura and Kayengona Filtration Plants Project, awarded to Aqua Services and Engineering for N$4.7 million, and the Katima Mulilo Raw Water Pipeline Re-route Project, awarded to Ndakalimwe Investments for N$11.6 million, as examples of fully Namibian-owned projects.
“While NamWater strongly supports local contractor participation, certain projects have faced challenges. Such instances affect NamWater’s ability to deliver critical water infrastructure on time. These challenges do not mean NamWater is turning away from local contractors, but rather that it must ensure projects are awarded to companies—local or international—that can meet all requirements and deliver as expected,” Ndamanomhata said.
For More News And Analysis About Namibia Follow Africa-Press
