Schlettwein invites private-sector partnersInvest in water, energy, housing The government alone cannot fund all national development projects, the minister of finance has told potential investors. With a plethora of projects lined up, the government is relying on the successful adoption of a soon-to-be-introduced public-private-partnership framework. Speaking to delegates at the just-concluded Invest in Namibia conference, Finance Minister Calle Schlettwein invited the delegates to invest in a number of electricity, water and housing projects.
“Even though it''s a key responsibility of the government to ensure delivery of public services such as water, electricity and other infrastructure at acceptable standards to the citizens, government alone cannot fund all national development projects, therefore we remain committed to creating conducive conditions to harness private investments and expertise in infrastructure development and delivery of public services,” Schlettwein said.
He said a public-private-partnership unit had been set up in the Ministry of Finance.
“The National PPP Policy was approved in 2012. In line with the policy, the public-private partnerships directorate has been set up at the Ministry of Finance.
“The formulation of PPP legislation is also at an advanced stage, the draft bill is finalised and due for tabling in parliament.”
Hangala Group director and former Nampower managing director Leake Hangala added to the discussion, calling for roles to be defined in a public-private-partnership.
“The roles of the parties must be understood. Partners need to understand each other''s roles and capacities. We must understand what partnership is. There must be a shared vision.”
Advising local stakeholders, Hangala added: “We are struggling when it comes to timelines.”
Giving an example of a proposed partnership his group had to sign with a local authority, he told delegates how the Hangala Group had to wait two years for the authority to make a final decision on a proposal submitted for a housing development.
“It took the local authority two years before they came back to us. This was for housing development,” he said.
“Public-private partnerships are not an end in themselves.”
In an effort to put the delegates at ease, Schlettwein said: “We are conscious that PPPs are not the best approach in every instance, and that poorly conceived PPP projects may lead to excessive or unintended fiscal burden.”
OGONE TLHAGE