Sisa Namandje, the legal counsel of Paragon Investment Group, has declared that the airport services company Menzies Aviation (Namibia) must vacate Hosea Kutako International Airport within a period of 30 days, to be specified by the Namibia Airports Company (NAC).
He said this yesterday during a media briefing in Windhoek on Paragon’s readiness to take over the airport’s ground handling operations.
On Tuesday, Menzies suffered a legal setback as its application to halt a High Court order issued in June last year, which allowed Paragon to commence ground handling operations at the airport, was denied in a judgement delivered in the Windhoek High Court.
However, Menzies achieved a victory by successfully contesting the NAC’s notice to vacate the airport, which the court found to have been unreasonable.
Namandje said his client will no longer tolerate any further delaying tactics – regardless of the time frame for preparation.
“Once the NAC provides the notice and Paragon is informed of the specified period, we will ensure that Paragon prepares accordingly.
“We will utilise all available remedies and resources to ensure that Paragon is fully operational at the end of the designated period,” Namandje said.
“We cannot continue to be hindered by a single case in this country,” he said.
Namandje said his client will not permit a party “in an independent Namibia” to disregard court orders.
He said once the 30-day notice period concludes, Paragon, which secured the tender in December 2021, will initiate operations.
“We will ensure that all entities responsible for maintaining law and order in Namibia guarantee that court orders are no longer obstructed by any party, regardless of their financial or commercial strength,” Namandje said.
NAC spokesperson Dan Kamati could not provide a specific date on which Menzies would be issued the eviction notice.
“We are currently studying the verdict and will release a statement in due course,” he said.
Desmond Amunyela, Paragon’s business development executive director, declared that the company is fully prepared to manage both cargo and hazardous goods.
On 4 August, the German airline Lufthansa imposed a cargo embargo from Hosea Kutako International Airport, which it communicated to its clients.
“All necessary certifications are in place. We are endorsed by all customer airlines involved in cargo transportation to and from Namibia. However, customer airlines retain the autonomy to conduct their business as they see fit,” Amunyela said.
Paragon spokesperson Lazarus Jacobs said the company has maintained a state of readiness to assume operations since 9 June.
“Paragon will no longer tolerate any further delay tactics and will indeed take over operations once the designated period lapses.
“The company has incurred substantial financial losses due to Menzie’s refusal to vacate the airport despite court orders,” he said.
Jacobs said the company reserves the right to pursue damages in the future, guided by its legal advisers.
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
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!
