By William Mbangula OSHAKATI The constitution of the newly established Namibia Small Contractors Association (NSCA) came under fire for allegedly being undemocratic and not transparent enough. The criticisms were voiced at the NSCA meeting held at Ondangwa over the weekend. During the meeting, which was called to prepare for the eventual launch of NASCA branch in the north at Ongwediva Trade Fair Centre, last Saturday, it was revealed that the constitution is far from being a perfect document. Some participants pointed out loopholes related to the election of members of the management committee. The clause that came under scrutiny states that the association shall have its affairs controlled and managed by a management committee elected by the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the office bearers shall consist of the chairperson, vice chairperson, secretary, treasurer and six additional members. The management committee shall appoint the six additional members from the AGM. Some of the participants were not comfortable with the fact that the management committee would appoint the six additional members instead of going to elections. Allegations were also made that the committee members would be among those elected by the AGM, and could be used to bulldoze unpopular decisions at the expense of the elected leaders. If this were to happen, participants argued, some members of the management committee could end up abusing their power to appoint their cronies as additional members, which could lead to corruption and nepotism. They felt that all members of the management committee should be elected by the AGM in a free and fair manner. The meeting also objected to a clause in the constitution, which suggested that the management committee should have the power to co-opt a member to fill any vacancy on the management committee until the next AGM. Participants believe such a person should be elected even if it means calling an extraordinary. Concern was also raised about the absence of a clause that could enable NASCA to establish regional offices. Although it is stated in the constitution that the office of the association will be located in Windhoek, no mention is made that regional offices would also exist. NSCA Coordinator in the North, Katrina Shimbulu, confirmed the launch of the association by the NSCA Treasurer Margaret Kazondunge on Saturday. Following endless squabbling within the Namibia National Contractors Association (NANCA), small contractors have come up with a rival association backed by financial assistance from non-governmental organizations and Government. NSCA’s aims and objectives are to provide a platform for small contractors that are involved in construction and maintenance to collaborate, coordinate, network, disseminate and share information in the procurement of services and create capacity for their members in order to ensure quality service delivery. The association will also be affiliated to the Namibia Builders Federation, a mandatory body that is backed by the Ministry of Works, Transport and Communication.