IMELDA AMBONDO
The government has set aside N$55 million as seed capital to support Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) administered by the Ministry of Finance.
The finance ministry’s deputy director for capacity building and outreach Hileni Stefanus said PPPs are key to boosting Namibia’s infrastructure. Speaking at the stakeholder engagement last week held at the Ministry of Home Affairs Immigration Safety and Security Offices, Stefanus urged local firms capable of handling projects valued between N$10 million and N$200 million to submit proposals.
The three-day session explained the roles of the PPP Committee and outlined the procedures and documentation required for screening project ideas.
“We have very few PPP projects. The aim is to have more, because more projects give the private sector better options,” Stefanus said.
She noted that the seed capital will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and should fund projects that are viable and can improve infrastructure. The fund will mainly assist public entities to prepare feasibility studies.
“We urge public entities to submit consent notes so we can start screening and registration. If you don’t have funds for feasibility studies, we are willing to help,” Stefanus added.
She also said the finance ministry will regulate implementation of the PPP policy and Act, oversee the PPP Committee and unit, and approve projects where line ministries act as the implementing agencies, especially those exceeding N$150 million.
Ministry of Finance Chief Economist Nalisa Muyahi said that the government retains ownership of projects delivered through PPPs, including operation and maintenance. He said PPPs focus on providing public infrastructure such as solar plants, water systems and wastewater treatment facilities while private partners handle design, construction, operation, maintenance and financing.
“The private sector manages the full project life cycle, which is expected to improve efficiency,” Muyahi said.
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