Namibia's Public Assets Management Agency faces scrutiny over establishment and governance
The establishment of Namibia's Public Assets Management Agency Pama as a profit-oriented entity before dedicated legislation is enacted has raised governance and legal concerns. Independent Patriots for Change IPC shadow minister of works and transport Nelson Kalangula criticized the use of interim structures and administrative workarounds, arguing that state properties belong to the public and their management should not be handed to a commercial entity without parliamentary scrutiny and legislative boundaries. He also raised concerns about temporary and interim boards at Pama and the Namibia Airports Company NAC, suggesting they could undermine corporate governance and institutional stability. Kalangula called for a halt to property transfers to Pama until a public assets management law is passed and for permanent, competitively vetted boards for state-owned enterprises. Public policy analyst Marius Kudumo echoed these concerns, questioning whether commercialization would compromise the government's responsibility to provide public services and if vulnerable Namibians would remain a focus. Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi defended Pama, stating it aims to strengthen management, utilization, and commercialization of public assets, generate revenue, and reduce expenditure. He acknowledged the intent to enact a dedicated public assets management act and stated the interim board's role is to establish Pama's frameworks and provide strategic direction during its forma
