The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) in Namibia has expressed concerns over the establishment of the Public Assets Management Agency of Namibia (PAMA). According to IPC Shadow Minister Nelson Kalangula, the creation of PAMA will duplicate existing government functions and increase personnel costs. The agency's mandate is to strengthen the management of Namibia's N$47.4 billion commercial public assets.
The Namibian Cabinet recently approved the establishment of PAMA. However, Kalangula argues that the government's decision will add to the financial burden on taxpayers. He notes that there are already personnel responsible for managing state assets, and the creation of PAMA will require additional executives and a CEO, leading to exorbitant salaries.
In October 2025, Minister Veikko Nekundi informed the National Assembly that the government had 9,640 immovable assets. Nekundi stated that the government is working on establishing an asset register and improving oversight of state-owned property. Kalangula questions how PAMA will incorporate existing assets under local authorities and various ministries.
Kalangula suggests that the government should capacitate existing departments responsible for immovable assets to ensure efficient property management. He expresses concerns about commercializing state properties, such as schools and hospitals. According to Kalangula, the mandate of PAMA is still unclear and needs to be clarified to avoid duplication of functions.
The IPC Shadow Minister emphasizes the need for clarity on PAMA's act and mandate. He questions whether the agency's establishment is a duplication of functions and what will drive its operations. Kalangula's concerns highlight the need for further discussion and clarification on the role of PAMA in managing Namibia's public assets.
At the time of reporting, efforts to obtain comments from Minister Nekundi and PAMA were unsuccessful. The establishment of PAMA aims to improve the management of Namibia's commercial public assets, but concerns about its legitimacy and potential duplication of functions remain.
The debate surrounding PAMA's establishment highlights the challenges of managing public assets in Namibia. With a significant number of immovable assets, the government faces the task of ensuring efficient management and oversight. The IPC's concerns will likely contribute to ongoing discussions on the best approach to managing Namibia's public assets.
Key points
- The Independent Patriots for Change questions the legitimacy of PAMA, citing duplication of government functions and increased personnel costs.
- The agency's mandate is to manage Namibia's N$47.4 billion commercial public assets.
- The IPC suggests capacitating existing departments responsible for immovable assets to ensure efficient property management.
