Renthia Kaimbi
Local contractors in Walvis Bay have accused the municipality of bias and unfair practices in awarding pothole repair tenders.
In letters dated June 2 and 5 2025, Kapepo Construction CC, Mweshiitya Trading CC, Shamrock Investment CC, and V Jay Construction CC said they were overlooked for five pothole repair contracts divided into lots.
They alleged the tenders went to four specific contractors without proper public advertising or consideration of established local firms.
The contractors bypassed the municipality’s general manager of roads and building control, Theo Potgieter, and took their concerns directly to chief executive officer, Victoria Kapenda.
They claimed Potgieter indicated a preference for “only large companies” and said these appeared “predominantly white-owned.”
“Such statements raise serious concerns about potential racial bias,” their letter reads. They said this approach excludes capable, long-serving local companies, many of which are black-owned or smaller enterprises.
The contractors requested the CEO to investigate the ownership structures of the companies awarded the tenders, check whether an official advertisement was issued, and confirm how many companies were invited to bid. They also urged the municipality to ensure tenders are circulated to all companies in its database or properly advertised to promote fair competition.
In a separate response to Kapepo Construction CC dated 2 June 2025, Kapenda said, “The onus lies in the public entity to select the appropriate method of procurement for the procurement of goods, works or services, depending on the nature of the procurement,” citing Section 27 of the Public Procurement Act, 2015.
Minutes of a council meeting on 24 June 2025 show that the municipality was still within the standstill period for awarding a routine road maintenance tender valued at about N$4 million.
The tender was advertised on 10 September 2024 and closed on 1 November 2024, attracting 19 bidders.
Due to what the municipality called a “cumbersome procurement process”, the N$4.11 million contract was awarded on 12 June 2025 to a joint venture between Otjiwarongo-based Sisho’s Trading CC and DJJ Investment CC, after several extensions to the bid validity period.
Council minutes also state that three additional contractors were appointed to assist with road repairs: Ghaba Investment CC, Vitz Investments CC and Walvis Bay Quality Control Services CC.
The contractors say this was done through a restricted bidding process, using direct requests for quotations authorised by Potgieter.
Documents in the possession of the Windhoek Observer show Vitz Investments CC and Walvis Bay Quality Control Services CC, which were not among the original 19 bidders, received contracts worth N$923 195 and over N$1 million, respectively. Black-owned Ghaba Investment CC, part of the original 19 bidders, received a contract worth N$419 610, all excluding value added tax (VAT).
Sources within the council, speaking anonymously, confirmed Vitz Investments CC has never done roadwork in the municipality.
Kapepo Construction CC questioned why, in this case, only five companies were invited to submit quotations and why experienced local providers like themselves were excluded.
