Member of the Parliamentary Committee on Natural Resources, Imms Nashinge, has called on the Namibia Industrial Development Agency (NIDA) to strengthen its operations and improve accountability.
Nashinge made the call during a recent visit by the committee to the NIDA Naute Dam Irrigation Scheme.
The visit aimed to assess progress and challenges facing the Naute Dam Irrigation Scheme.
NIDA Chief Financial Officer Julius Nghikevalihe said the agency requires a N$550 million capital injection to implement its strategic plan and secure additional funding.
He urged Parliament to support the transfer of assets from the former Namibia Development Corporation and Offshore Development Company, saying such a move would enable NIDA to unlock funding and advance industrial development projects.
"You, as NIDA, in your rebirth mode, how are you going to do things differently from your predecessors?" questioned Nashinge. "I mean, your vehicles and infrastructure are not well maintained. Yet you believe you will be profitable while ensuring the success of some of the businesses you will take over. How can we be confident in this approach given our current situation?"
Nghikevalihe explained that the new strategic plan proposes moving major businesses currently under NIDA departments into separate corporations.
"We should establish separate entities for the larger businesses, each as its own corporation, with leadership that is accountable and focused on their specific objectives outlined in the strategic business plan."
The Chairperson of the committee, Dr. Tobie Aupindi, told NBC News that NIDA has significant potential and can improve its performance through stronger strategic interventions, improved financial and operational planning, and effective management.
"If you lack strong strategic leadership and a clear vision, your company will struggle to operate effectively. I believe that the deficiencies created by human error can be addressed with a dedicated effort to ensure that State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) genuinely contribute to the economic development of Namibia."
Committee members visited the Dates Farm, the packaging facility, and the Neckartal Dam.