Public-private partnership committee appointed

FINANCE minister Calle Schlettwein on Tuesday announced the appointment of six of the seven members of the public-private partnership committee in the National Assembly.

This is in line with Section 5 of the Public-Private Partnership Act.

To this end, Schlettwein said, he directed a transparent process which was followed in the appointment of the public-private partnership (PPP) committee members.

This process was done through a string of adverts placed in local newspapers and the website of the finance ministry.

Forty-one applications were received, and 12 applicants were shortlisted for interviews, which took place in March.

The appointees include three males and three females, who are Hellen Amupolo, Nangula Uaandja, Annely Haiphene, Steve Galloway, James Myupe and Michael Mukete.

The seventh member of the committee is to be appointed by the finance deputy permanent secretary.

The PPP committee is established with the principal objective of appraising project documentation at various stages of a PPP project lifecycle.

Other functions of the committee include providing for the transaction approvals in respect of PPPs, and to develop best practice guidelines to all aspects of PPP projects.

The committee will also advise the finance minister on policies relating to PPP projects, and exercise powers imposed on and perform functions assigned to it.

The tenure of the PPP committee is three years.

“In terms of Section 8 (1) (2) (b) of the Public-Private Partnership Act, 2017 (Act No. 4, 2017), the PPP committee shall consist of seven members appointed by the minister, who are suitably qualified, fit and proper persons, having knowledge and experience relevant to the functions of the PPP committee,” Schlettwein said before announcing the six names.

The act also makes provision for the minister to appoint an alternate member for each member of the committee.

PPPs refer to an arrangement between a government agency and private sector company which is used to finance, build and operate projects, such as public transportation networks, parks and the construction of houses in some instances.

Financing a project through a public-private partnership can allow a project to be completed sooner, especially in times when governments are in dire need of financial resources.

– Nampa

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