New principle approved to erect state buildings

CABINET earlier granted approval for the construction of accommodation for government institutions on the basis of a Private Public Partnership (PPP) since this method is convenient and does not require the government to put up money in advance. Following the Cabinet decision, the Ministry of Works, Transport and Communication conducted consultative meetings and a workshop on the implementation of PPP.

A presentation was also done by the Ministry of Trade and Industry on PPP with the aim to develop a PPP Policy for Namibia. According to the presentation, a Steering Committee, as a decision making body, and a Technical Committee to manage and supervise the project from inception, is needed. For the application of the PPP, user ministries will have to come up with a concept of the building they require and call for tenders from different companies to come up with drawings.

The Technical Committee will assess and scrutinise the drawing as per the user ministry’s specifications, before approving the drawing and costing of the building. In the light of the above, Cabinet approved the appointment of a Steering Committee to oversee/ manage the implementation of PPP and BOT in the delivery of office accommodation to the government.

This Committee comprises the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministries of Education; Health and Social Services; Safety and Security; Finance; Trade and Industry; Justice and the Attorney General; the National Planning Commission and the Ministry of Works, Transport and Communication as convener. Each of these institutions will play a role as part of the decision-making body.