SWAKOPMUND – The Swakopmund Town Council has spent over N$703 million on procurement contracts between July 2020 and June 2025. This is according to the council’s executive procurement report released last week by the council. The N$703 million was spread across eight procurement methods. 

Chief executive officer of council, Archie Benjamin on Monday told New Era that the council is serious about local beneficiation and investing in the local economy. “This report shows how much the council has invested in the local economy; how many Swakopmund based SME/companies have benefited and the number of employment opportunities created while at the same time enhance service delivery,” he said. According to the procurement report, open national bids accounted for the largest share at 35%, followed by requests for sealed quotations at 24% while direct procurement accounted for 19%. Informal quotations, requests for proposals, emergency procurement, execution by public entity, and restricted bidding made up the remainder. 

The council says the procurement efforts are aligned with its strategic priorities, promoting economic growth, service delivery, and efficient management of public resources. The council also indicated that the annual procurement spends fluctuated over the period, peaking at N$189 million in 2024/25 and reaching a low of N$95 million in 2023/24. The report also states that procurement was categorised into consultancy services, non-consultancy services, goods, and works. “The procurement of goods and works consistently accounted for the highest share, largely driven by infrastructure projects and operational requirements. Non-consultancy services also remained significant due to day-to-day operational needs, while consultancy services formed a smaller portion,” the report reads. 

Head of procurement, Hofney Kanandjembo said that local participation in procurement remained strong, with Swakopmund-based companies receiving over 80% of awards during the period under review. “This demonstrates that the council is commitment to supporting local businesses and ensuring value for money in its procurement activities,” he said. 

–edeklerk@nepc.com.na