Martin Endjala
The Namibia Industrial Development Agency (Nida) will pronounce itself as a viable agency during the last week of August.
Last week, the Parliamentary Standing Committee and National Council members accused the agency leaders of incompetence and demanded its dismantling in order to restore its dignity.
The agency’s spokesperson, Wessel !Nanuseb, told the Windhoek Observer last week that clarity and a response to the concerns raised would be provided.
“Yes, we are aware of the recent negative publicity the agency received, orchestrated by the members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee. We are in the process of embarking on a series of interventions to explain to the stakeholders what the agency stands for and does. It is our envisaged plan to engage the media on an appropriate platform to do this once and for all.”
According to Paulus Mbangu, a member of the National Council, the agency was owed an estimated N$89 million by tenants and had to evict those who couldn’t pay.
According to Mbangu, it was only able to get back N$4 million when the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade intervened.
“What does this tell us? It tells us a clear sign of incompetency within the agency. Out of the 148 industrial estates, tourism centres, small and medium enterprises, and business parks across the country, most of them are struggling financially,” he said.
He argued that instead of developing and offering industrial infrastructures for economic activities that focus on job creation, education, and service delivery, Nida is out there with a bagging bowel, waiting for a bailout from the government.
National Unity Democratic Organisation (NUDO) MP Chance Kazongominja questioned the rationale for the ministry’s continued funding of Nida while it continues to remain underperforming.
“What reasons are they having to give money to Nida? That is the important thing that we wanted to know as a council and a committee. My request and plea to the House is that we have to engage the government on a very serious note,” he said.
Kazongominja recommends either completely dismantling Nida or exploring ways to revitalise the agency.
Nida’s current setup, he says, is failing at the expense of taxpayer money.
Swapo Party National Council MP chief whip Gerhard Shiimi has cited Nida’s behaviour as similar to that of the Agricultural Business Development Agency (AGRIBUSDEV).
Shiimi said that the country’s resources necessitate vigilance and a thorough investigation of all state enterprises.
