Poor Planning In Boeing Purchase

KINDLY allow me space in your newspaper to air my views on what I see as an issue which should concern all true patriots as well as taxpayers in this country, the purchase of the Boeing 747 Combi by Air Namibia.

First let me thank the government of the Republic for its commitment to development. I cannot enumerate all its achievements because there are so many. Let me also say that I have no doubt that the government wishes to see things moving in this country, after all that is what we fought for.To return to the Jumbo Jet, I think, keeping quiet on this issue would be tantamount to saying I could not care less about the future of this country.As a citizen, I feel it is my duty not to allow what I see as imprudent financial decisions to continue to be made.When one looks at the financial quagmire into which the Combi has dragged Air Namibia, they would not think that it was the same plane that brought the ‘feel- good factor’ in some quarters upon its purchase.I trusted that those who make decisions on our behalf would be careful not to pour public money down the drain by engaging in what seems to be a not-well-thought through purchase.The reasons advanced for the lack of viability of the Boeing makes one wonder whether proper procedures that purchases of that magnitude require, had been followed prior to the purchase.In my book, there seems to be indications of lack of sound economic thinking in the purchase of the Combi.Consequently, to put my mind at peace regarding the purchase of the Boeing, Air Namibia should answer the following questions: Was any investigation conducted to determine the viability of the Boeing? If it was, why are we now being told that the Combi’s carrying capacity and its maintenance make it a financial burden? Did not the study address these and other pertinent issues? Comrades, let us admit that the purchase of the Boeing 747 was a squandering of government money, money which could have been put to use somewhere else.In my view, this kind of practice will in the long run undermine the government and therefore to deter this kind of spending of public funds in future, somebody must be made accountable for this shameful blunder.If you want me to believe otherwise, convince me that the decision to purchase the plane in question was based on scientific investigations the results of which were positive.And therefore the current financial crisis is not a result of poor planning.The question is: Have we learnt any lessons?Metusalem Nakale OshakatiLet me also say that I have no doubt that the government wishes to see things moving in this country, after all that is what we fought for.To return to the Jumbo Jet, I think, keeping quiet on this issue would be tantamount to saying I could not care less about the future of this country.As a citizen, I feel it is my duty not to allow what I see as imprudent financial decisions to continue to be made.When one looks at the financial quagmire into which the Combi has dragged Air Namibia, they would not think that it was the same plane that brought the ‘feel- good factor’ in some quarters upon its purchase.I trusted that those who make decisions on our behalf would be careful not to pour public money down the drain by engaging in what seems to be a not-well-thought through purchase.The reasons advanced for the lack of viability of the Boeing makes one wonder whether proper procedures that purchases of that magnitude require, had been followed prior to the purchase.In my book, there seems to be indications of lack of sound economic thinking in the purchase of the Combi.Consequently, to put my mind at peace regarding the purchase of the Boeing, Air Namibia should answer the following questions: Was any investigation conducted to determine the viability of the Boeing? If it was, why are we now being told that the Combi’s carrying capacity and its maintenance make it a financial burden? Did not the study address these and other pertinent issues? Comrades, let us admit that the purchase of the Boeing 747 was a squandering of government money, money which could have been put to use somewhere else.In my view, this kind of practice will in the long run undermine the government and therefore to deter this kind of spending of public funds in future, somebody must be made accountable for this shameful blunder. If you want me to believe otherwise, convince me that the decision to purchase the plane in question was based on scientific investigations the results of which were positive.And therefore the current financial crisis is not a result of poor planning.The question is: Have we learnt any lessons?Metusalem Nakale Oshakati