The Okahandja Town Council is under pressure to explain a series of allegations relating to the organisation of its recently concluded business exhibition.

Concerns have been raised over the alleged lack of transparency in the procurement of services for the event. According to multiple vendors, no public tenders were advertised for key services such as the hiring of tents, the performance stage, and security personnel.

A vendor who spoke to NBC News claimed that all these services were sourced from regions north of Namibia, neglecting those based in the Otjozondjupa Region.

The business community that participated in the Business Expo is demanding answers regarding how service providers were selected in the absence of advertised tenders and whether proper procurement procedures were followed. They are also demanding full disclosure of the costs involved, including the amounts paid for the stage, tents, and security services, as well as the names of the contractors involved.

In addition to procurement concerns, several vendors who participated in the Expo have accused the Town Council of poor communication, stating that there was little to no engagement with them before or during the event.

The Public Relations Department of the Okahandja Town Council said the Council would provide a comprehensive response by Monday next week.

Okahandja Mayor Beatrice Kotungondo, during the Expo, informed NBC News that the town's political leadership does not handle the tender process and directed NBC News to the town's administrators.