No local bids forN$3.5-million Usakos tender –chief executive

There were no local bids submitted for the construction of Usakos’ boundary wall and guard house tender worth N$3.5 million, according to the town’s chief executive, Lesley Goraseb.

The tender bidding was set for 8 March, with a deadline of 4 April this year.

Usakos businessman Mcdonald Aoseb raised concerns in a recent complaint letter about tenders being given to companies not from Usakos, while locals are overlooked.

However, Goraseb says there were no local bids from Usakos.

“The person complaining about tenders not being given to local businesses has not even submitted a bid to the N$3.5 million tender. As a matter of fact, there were no local bids from Usakos. So how can they complain that they do not get opportunities when they do not even apply?

“How will they get a tender if they do not apply? This is a big tender and we follow all processes as per the Procurement Act and all due processes were followed, and the best bidder who meets the requirements was approved,” says Goraseb.

He adds that the procurement procedures allows for bidders who are aggrieved to approach the Procurement Policy Unit for a review should they feel that due processes were not followed despite them having met all the requirements.

Goraseb argues that the Procurement Act is clear in terms of procedures, adding that the narrative by locals is only seeking to stir trouble for the council.

“If we do as they are saying, the Anti-Corruption Commission will then have to come in to hold us accountable for disregarding the Procurement Act. We understand that people need jobs and opportunities but the platform is there for everyone and the Procurement Act does not say a tender should go to a local business. All bidders are treated equally,” he says.

He says there are provisions where contractors are asked to use local supplies and employ local people, especially for general work.

Goraseb further explains that although a contractor is expected to use local supplies, such contractors are allowed to use their own preferences if the local supply is more expensive than outside suppliers, as it is a more logical move.

Aoseb is demanding a public release of names and registration documents by the council for companies who received tenders.

He wants to know who owns them, where they are based, how they were selected and if they meet all requirements.

“This is not personal, it’s about justice. We are tired of being ignored in our own town. We want fair access to opportunities that are meant to develop our community. If we do not stand up now, things will never change,” he says.

Meanwhile, Usakos mayor Irene Kurtz says the council wants to develop the town, not make people’s lives difficult.

She urges those with complaints to approach the right channels to seek answers and to avoid sensationalism, which often leads to misinformation, as many times some information is made up and never verified by complainants.

“We understand the frustration by the community due to Usako’s high rate of employment, but we want our people to benefit from these tenders and that’s why in terms of employment in specialised skills, we always say they must be procured locally. But people must understand that mayors and councillors are politicians and we do not get involved in procurement matters that are the responsibility of the chief executive,” Kurtz says.

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