Tension briefly flared up during a Parliamentary Standing Committee oversight meeting after members raised questions over Naute Kristall Distillery's operational expenses and dividend payments. 

Namibia Industrial Development Agency (NIDA), a state-owned enterprise, and Michael Weder each hold a 50% stake in the distillery. 

A heated exchange erupted when the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Accounts and Economy Vice-Chairperson Leonard Shikulo questioned NIDA about covering the distillery's electricity and water expenses. 

It also transpired that no dividends were paid to NIDA since the distillery became operational 10 years back. 

"We heard we are not paying for water and electricity," enquired Shikulo.  

"I am very sensitive about this. Because last time you were here, somebody lied to you that we were not paying for electricity, and I don't like this. Ask Mr Julius, please; ask him. I don't lie either; that's why I ask you. Because you're asking me to put me in a trap," retorted Managing Director at Naute Kristall Distillery, Michael Weder.

Weder said the distillery only started paying its water and electricity bills two years back. 

He explained the first five years were a pilot phase, followed by the Covid-19 pandemic, which left the distillery unable to cover its operational costs. 

The Committee's Chairperson, Eddie |Nanub, intervened and called for calm discussions. 

"If you say it is emotional or whatever. You know, all these, whatever is going on - for us it is emotional. What is going on? But we have set that aside to be in mutual understanding to see and understand where this is coming from."

Weder tendered an apology for raising his voice. 

NIDA's Chief Financial Officer Julius Nghikevali acknowledged the agency's administrative failure partly contributed to operational costs and dividend issues. 

"The fact of the matter is the parties have not fully adhered to the agreement from the point of view that there are certain payments that need to be made, and those payments are clearly defined. We are only working that out now."

Nghikevali further revealed a prepaid electricity was installed at the distillery's premises, while the parties reached an agreement over the recovery of utility bills previously covered by NIDA. 

The distillery produces gin from second-grade dates supplied from Naute Farm, which is managed by NIDA. 

Employing eight permanent workers, the distillery supplies gin to local markets and exports it to the USA, Germany, and South Africa.