Construction demands access to latest NEEEB

THE government’s decision to table the latest draft of the Namibian equitable economic empowerment bill (NEEEB) without private sector review has been strongly condemned by the Construction Industry Federation (CIF).

In a statement released yesterday, the CIF said it is very important to consider the pros and cons of the changed NEEEB before it is tabled.

The bill aims to ensure more equitable distribution of wealth in the Namibian economy.

In their statement the CIF calls for further opportunity for stakeholders to be engaged and provide feedback.

The federation said the timing of tabling the bill is most unfavourable considering the economic state Namibia finds itself in.

It urged politicians and leaders to rethink current policies to fight poverty and achieve a more equitable socio-economic environment.

“There may be alternatives or best practices to achieve the same. However, this could be best explored when extensive research has taken place” the statement reads.

The federation said it is very important that lawmakers and the public remain engaged to establish how best to address poverty and inequality.

“With the revised NEEEB, which is understood to be already approved by Cabinet and is now with the legal drafters and possibly to be tabled soon in the National Assembly, it is indeed very important to consider the pros and cons,” they said.

The old NEEEB intended to give state authorities the power to withhold licences, permits and authorisation for economic activities – irrespective of whether private entities do business with the government.

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