IPPR pushes for public oversight in government procurement

By: Hertha Ekandjo

The Institute for Public Policy Research has called for stronger public oversight and citizen participation in monitoring procurement processes to prevent corruption, wasteful spending, and mismanagement of public resources.

Speaking at the launch of the Procurement Tracker Namibia, Issue 30 in Windhoek on Monday, IPPR researcher Frederico Links said both the Access to Information Act and the proposed Public Procurement Amendment Bill present opportunities to enhance transparency and strengthen informal oversight mechanisms across  all levels of government.

Links emphasised that under the Access to Information Act, public entities are now obligated to proactively release key information, including procurement reports, contracts, and details of officials sitting on procurement committees.

He added that both frameworks complement each other, as the Access to Information Act promotes proactive disclosure, while the Procurement Act regulates how that information is managed and published.

Meanwhile, IPPR Executive Director Graham Hopwood has urged government institutions to curb unnecessary spending on “vanity awards,” calling them an example of how public funds are often misused under the guise of recognition.

Hopwood said the new Public Procurement Amendment Bill shows progress, as it attempts to address many of the transparency and accountability issues the IPPR has raised over the past seven years.