The /Khomanin traditional community has requested a road tender from the Roads Contractor Company (RCC).
This follows the recent awarding of road tenders to the Ondonga and Oukwanyama traditional authorities.
Social justice activist Shaun Gariseb and /Khomanin representatives Verona Kharuxas and Tjeja-ua Tjatindi requested this in a letter addressed to the RCC, the Roads Authority and the Ministry of Works and Transport on Monday.
“The /Khomanin traditional community is herewith informing you that our traditional authority is available and ready for similar ‘social allocation’ akin to what was extended to the Ondonga and Oukwanyama traditional authorities in the next financial year as determined by/or in terms of Section 23 of the Roads Fund Administration Act.
“As outlined in the Traditional Authorities Act 2000, we have established community trust funds.
We too can do with ‘social allocation’ which will empower our communities, eradicate poverty and create employment, which will go a long way for a community like ours that is already systematically displaced, landless and excluded from privileges of this kind only extended to traditional authorities in northern Namibia.
“How can we also benefit like the Ondonga and Oukwanyama traditional authorities from RCC tenders?” the letter reads.
According to the letter, the community wants to be included in several projects.
“. . . like the development of the Daan Viljoen Road. As a community we have identified projects and have suggestions we want to discuss for active participation henceforth.
“As one of the most underprivileged traditional communities, by law our traditional authority is entitled to royalties from institutions like yours, but are receiving none,” the letter says.
It states that the community wants the authorities to address the matter.
“The /Khomanin community is urgently seeking for an audience with the chief executive of the Roads constructor Company, the chief executive of the Roads Authority (Namibia) and the minister of works and transport,” it states.
‘HAND-PICKED’
The Namibian recently reported that RCC acting chief executive Dasius Nelumbu allegedly hand-picked the Ondonga and Oukwanyama traditional authorities for a road maintenance tender worth N$6 million.
The two authorities were awarded the tender, despite not having the capacity to carry out the grading unit project, and subsequently subcontracted the work.
The Ondonga Traditional Authority subcontracted work to Joto Investment, led by Jonathan Amupolo, and the Oukwanyama Traditional Authority subcontracted to controversial businessman Kongo Mokaxwa.
The tender is for the maintenance of roads in the Ondonga and Oukwanyama authority areas for a period of two years.
It will cost N$250 000 per month, amounting to N$6 million over two years.
Nelumbu acknowledged the /Khomanin community’s letter.
“We appreciate your engagement and the request brought to us on behalf of the /Khomanin traditional community.
“Your request has been duly noted, and we recognise the importance of equitable resource allocation and inclusivity.
We as the RCC believe communities are better served through their respective recognised traditional authorities, and such support should be made available whenever possible.
“We are available to meet you once the Roads Authority has confirmed its availability, ideally during the week of 7 to 11 April 2025,” he responded.
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