THE Namibian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s efforts to boost growth at Keetmanshoop through a public-private dialogue (PPD) suffered a blow because of a low turnout at a local business forum on Wednesday.
About 50 to 60 participants were expected but only a handful attended the meeting that the NCCI in conjunction with German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) had organised. GTZ representative Harald Richter said the number of people was just not high enough to proceed.’We want to see tables filled with people. The public sector needs the private sector to know what to do,’ said Richter.NCCI representative Cleo Mono said a misunderstanding about the date could have contributed to the low turnout and he suggested an informal meeting.Mono’s suggestion set the scene for an informal discussion where the local NCCI branch chairman, Willie Kotze, complained about a lack of communication between the Keetmanshoop Town Council and the local chamber of commerce. ‘Things are going from bad to worse. We (NCCI branch) are trying our best since July 2006 to convene with the Town Council without any success,’ said Kotze.Kotze further claimed that local expertise is sidelined when it comes to tender allocation. The municipality’s CEO, Paul Vleermuis, said all parties have concerns. ‘If you cannot come together, you cannot talk. Let’s come together to solve our problems,’ said Vleermuis. After Richter said that GTZ is prepared to host a second business forum, those in attendance promised to lobby others to attend the next meeting planned for early next year.luqman@namibian.com.na
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
