By Petronella Sibeene
WINDHOEK
The Namibia Airports Company (NAC) yesterday handed over N$1.2-million in dividends to the Ministry of Works, Transport and Communications.
The declaration of dividends in 2003/4 amounted to N$2.4-million, while in 2004/5 it totalled N$1.4-million.
The Chairman of the NAC Board of Directors, Charles Kariko, said the paying of dividends is a clear demonstration of operational efficiency and responsible corporate citizenry.
“We are faced with operational and industry challenges, but we firmly believe that those challenges are not insurmountable, if we put our efforts together,” said Kariko.
Receiving the N$1.2-million cheque, Minister of Works, Transport and Communication Joel Kaapanda said his office has observed efforts made by NAC to improve the national airport infrastructure and services.
“Despite your relatively small size as a State-Owned Enterprise (SOE), by Namibian standards, you have been declaring dividends from year to year despite the many challenges faced,” he said.
The minister also acknowledged the terminal extension project at the Hosea Kutako International Airport.
“I am fully aware of the challenges the aviation industry and the Namibian airports face. However, the Airport Company has been trying its utmost in rehabilitating and upgrading our airports to meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards,” added Kaapanda.
Kaapanda reminded NAC management that there is no prosperous nation with ailing airport infrastructure and services like NAC which carries a great national responsibility.
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