The Anti-Corruption Commission in Namibia has summoned Bisey Uirab, the chief executive of Namibia Airports Company, for questioning. This move is part of an ongoing investigation into procurement and governance irregularities at the NAC. Uirab appeared before the ACC last Monday, following a request for information related to matters under investigation. The ACC has confirmed the meeting but has kept details confidential.
ACC director general Paulus Noa stated that the commission has the mandate to summon individuals to provide information related to investigations. He emphasized that such information remains confidential. Uirab was not available for comment. The ACC has not disclosed whether its engagement with Uirab would lead to further action. A source close to the matter indicated that the ACC's request is linked to issues raised following an investigation requested by the minister of works and transport.
The investigation, requested by minister Veikko Nekundi in late July, reportedly covered concerns around vehicles allocated or sold to management, procurement processes, and human resource matters. Nekundi had indicated that suspected irregularities would be referred to the ACC after the investigation. The latest development comes as the NAC faces questions over a blanket suspension of procurement activities announced on 21 September. The company suspended all new and active procurement activities until further notice.
The suspension has raised concerns about its impact on airport operations. Former NAC board member Matthew //Gowaseb questioned the degree of the suspension, warning it could affect airport operations if safety-critical procurement is delayed. Airport operations require continuous access to equipment and services, including airfield lighting, maintenance tools, and security systems. //Gowaseb identified several procurement processes that could be affected by the suspension.
Among the procurement processes that could be impacted are airfield-light spares for Eros Airport, maintenance tools for Keetmanshoop Airport, and runway repainting at Andimba Toivo ya Toivo Airport. Additionally, aviation fuel and aircraft-refuelling services at Walvis Bay, Lüderitz, and Katima Mulilo airports could be affected. //Gowaseb asked whether a safety and operational risk assessment had been conducted before the blanket suspension was imposed.
//Gowaseb suggested that procurement concerns could be dealt with through individual reviews, enhanced controls, or investigations without freezing the entire procurement system. He called for safety-critical, security, emergency, maintenance, and essential operational procurement to be protected while any governance review continues. This approach would allow for governance reform and aviation safety to coexist.
The ACC's investigation into procurement and governance irregularities at the NAC is ongoing. The commission's actions are aimed at addressing concerns raised by the minister of works and transport and other stakeholders. The outcome of the investigation and any subsequent actions remain to be seen. The situation highlights the challenges of balancing governance reform with the need for continuous airport operations.
Key points
- The Anti-Corruption Commission has summoned Bisey Uirab, the chief executive of Namibia Airports Company, for questioning amid procurement irregularities.
- The NAC has suspended all new and active procurement activities until further notice, sparking concerns about the impact on airport operations.
- Former NAC board member Matthew //Gowaseb has questioned the blanket suspension, suggesting that procurement concerns could be addressed through individual reviews and enhanced controls.
