Windhoek: The Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) has introduced a pre-qualification process for contractors in the construction sector, aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accountability in public procurement. CPBN's stakeholder relations manager Johanna Kambala said on Friday that the initiative is a structured and transparent mechanism to identify, assess, and classify competent, experienced, and well-resourced bidders.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the pre-qualification process applies to two main categories of work: building works, such as the construction and maintenance of schools, hospitals, and office blocks, and civil works, including roads, bridges, dams, and water and sanitation systems. Kambala stated that the move represents a proactive approach to ensure that 'only capable and verified bidders participate in specific procurements, thereby streamlining procurement timelines and promoting the optimal use of resources.'

Going forward, all construction bids under this category will be conducted through a restricted bidding method, limited to contractors listed on the CPBN Pre-Qualification Database. Interested bidders are required to purchase the Pre-Qualification Bidding Document at a cost of N.dollars 3,000 from the CPBN offices, and successful applicants will remain listed for one year.

Kambala said the initiative is being implemented in line with Section 42(1) of the Public Procurement Act of 2015. 'This initiative marks a significant milestone in CPBN's ongoing efforts to make public procurement more efficient, streamlined, transparent, and results-oriented,' she explained. She further added that the pre-qualification process reaffirms the board's commitment to 'conducting procurement in a manner that is efficient, effective, fair, and accountable, in support of Namibia's national development goals.'