Central Procurement Board of Namibia records first CSR project contribution

The Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) has completed its first corporate social responsibility (CSR) contribution mandated by its new bidding requirements. West Trading JV Unik Construction Engineering Namibia provided donations valued at N$64,886, including blankets, school uniforms, and sanitary pads, to vulnerable residents and students at Schmelenville Combined School in Bethanie.

The donation is linked to a N$64.8 million contract for the second phase of the Sandverhaar-Buchholzbrunn Railway Line upgrade, which involves bridge construction and repairs. Under the CPBN’s updated criteria, companies awarded certain government tenders must allocate at least 0.1% of the contract value to CSR initiatives aimed at community empowerment and poverty alleviation in project areas.

In addition to the material donations, the railway project has provided direct economic benefits to the region by employing 20 residents from Bethanie. CPBN Board Director Simon Shivute stated that the goal is to ensure procurement delivers social value and strengthens communities alongside the acquisition of goods and services.