The Namibia Water Corporation Ltd (NamWater) convened a pivotal Procurement Stakeholder Engagement Workshop in Oshakati today, uniting suppliers, contractors, SMEs, regulators, and government representatives. Hosted at the Oshakati Town Council Auditorium, the forum aimed to foster transparency, strengthen partnerships, and catalyse sustainable development within the water sector by empowering local enterprises.
NamWater CEO Abraham Nehemia declared procurement a “powerful enabler of service delivery, institutional trust, and national progress” beyond mere transactions. The workshop aligned NamWater’s procurement ecosystem with the Public Procurement Act and national socio-economic objectives, emphasising SME development, job creation, and infrastructure advancement.
Core mandate and SME commitment
As Namibia’s bulk water utility, NamWater reiterated its critical role in supplying municipalities, industries, and rural communities; maintaining dams, pipelines, and treatment plants; ensuring water quality; and responding to droughts. Nehemia underscored SMEs as “drivers of innovation and inclusive growth,” outlining reserved procurement categories, subcontracting quotas, capacity building, and accelerated payments to bolster their participation.
The corporation is actively refining its procurement policy to enhance opportunities for SMEs. Key sectors highlighted include small civil works like pipelines and reservoirs, mechanical and electrical maintenance, supply of materials and equipment, construction of access roads and fencing, and non-consultancy services such as cleaning and logistics.
Policy insights and collaborative dialogue
Presentations featured insights from NamWater’s Acting Head of Business Unit North-West, Simeon Kamati, on regional operational needs, and Supply Chain Management Head Puje Katjivena, who detailed the Annual Procurement Plan and bidding processes. Phineas M. Nsundano from the Ministry of Finance addressed government policies promoting SMEs, updates to procurement legislation, and capacity-building initiatives.
During open discussions, suppliers urged improved access to tender information, mentorship, and financial support. NamWater pledged to address challenges like financing constraints through proactive partnerships and regular engagement forums.
Strategic regional impact
Holding the workshop in Oshakati ensures northern suppliers are primed for upcoming projects, bridging regional gaps. Nehemia affirmed this as part of a “broader journey toward a resilient, inclusive water sector,” with NamWater encouraging SMEs to monitor its website and social media for tender updates and support programmes.