The Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) recorded 164 projects at a cost of N$6.7 billion in the first two quarters of 2024.
This was revealed at a media briefing in the Windhoek.
The contracts were placed into categories consisting of construction works with 64 projects valued at N$4 billion, goods with 23 projects valued at N$1 billion, consultancy service with one project valued at N$56 million, and non-consultancy projects valued at N$1.4 billion.
The projects are distributed throughout all regions in the country, with the |Khomas Region recording the highest contract of over N$4 billion, with Omaheke having the lowest at N$19 million.
It was also revealed that the procurement process is often delayed due to bidders challenging their disqualification at the review panel after misinterpretation of the evaluation criteria and bidding requirements.
"So why are we challenging the review panel? Well, there are many, many reasons why we should approach the review panel, and they have the right to do so because it is something that is provided for in the act under Section 59. Anybody that disagrees with the decision of the board can approach the review panel," explained the acting Executive for Public Procurement, Festus Hamukwaya.
The board is focused on improving its processes and increasing engagement with the judiciary to reduce situations where judgements challenge procurement decisions.
The CEO of the Central Procurement Board of Namibia, Idi Itope, stated that their mission is to create a vibrant, dynamic, and sustainable procurement environment reflecting a strong commitment to continual improvement and accountability.
He emphasised that stakeholder satisfaction and media involvement align well with modern procurement trends, where transparency and active communication play key roles in fostering trust and collaboration.
"When we say we want to be a vibrant agency, it means we want to do whatever we do with energy. Demonstrate that in all that. When we respond to you, when you call us, when you send an inquiry, we want to with energy. What are we doing to be a dynamic agency? It means we strive for continuous improvement. The way we do business today is not the way we're going to do business tomorrow. Times are changing, and therefore we should change with that."