The Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) has recorded its first community investment resulting from its decision to make corporate social responsibility (CSR) part of its bidding process.
The milestone was marked at Bethanie on Monday, where West Trading JV Unik Construction Engineering Namibia handed over blankets, school uniforms for boys and girls and sanitary pads valued at N$64 886 to vulnerable community members and pupils at Schmelenville Combined School.
Speaking at the handover, CPBN board director Simon Shivute said public procurement should deliver benefits beyond the acquisition of goods and services.
“Success is best when it is shared. Procurement is not only about acquiring goods, works and services; it is also about creating opportunities, strengthening communities and delivering lasting social value,” Shivute said.
The donation forms part of a N$64.89 million contract for the upgrading of the Sandverhaar-Buchholzbrunn railway line phase two.
Under the new CSR criteria, bidders must submit a CSR proposal worth at least 0.1% of the contract value, outlining initiatives aimed at community empowerment and poverty alleviation in the areas where projects are implemented.
The railway project has also created employment opportunities for 20 Bethanie residents, providing direct economic benefits to local households.
Shivute said responsible procurement can help public entities and suppliers contribute to community well-being while meeting their contractual obligations.
Bethanie Village Council councillor Willim Boois welcomes the initiative, particularly the employment of local residents, saying it enables households to benefit directly from the project.
CPBN says CSR criteria will continue to be incorporated into future applicable bidding processes, with the aim of advancing community empowerment, poverty alleviation, local economic participation and sustainable development.
