MIT and MWT warn against bogus international bidding scheme – Windhoek Observer

Hertta-Maria Amutenja

The Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade (MIT) and the Ministry of Works and Transport (MWT) have issued a stern caution to the public regarding a fraudulent bid invitation circulating in the public domain.

Under the guise of legitimate government initiatives, this fraudulent scheme has been soliciting funds from both local and international investors, posing significant risks to unsuspecting individuals and organisations.

The deceptive bid invitation, purportedly under the provisions of the Public Procurement Act 15 of 2015, falsely claims to invite international bidders for the construction of substantial developmental projects.

These projects include the construction of 2,500 and 2,800 residential houses and shopping malls in Oranjemund and Luderitz, respectively.

However, the entire scheme is fabricated, bearing forged signatures of executive officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport.

MIT Executive Director, Sikongo Haihambo, and MWT Executive Director, Esther Kaapanda, emphasised that neither ministry has initiated such bidding processes, and cautioned the public against entertaining any requests or solicitations related to this fraudulent invitation.

“The Ministry is aware of scammers contacting individuals and entities (including international) to apply for the fabricated bidding invitation. The notice does not originate from the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade, nor Works and Transport as being portrayed in the notice,” Haihambo warned.

Furthermore, the public is urged to exercise caution and refrain from engaging in any phone calls claiming to represent the executive directors of these ministries, especially those soliciting funds.

“The Executive Director will never contact anyone requesting funds, and any public procurement procedures should be followed through the established channels and institutions,” Haihambo said.

Both ministries advise against contacting the numbers provided in the fraudulent notice or making any financial transactions into the specified account numbers. Doing so could result in irreversible damages to individuals or entities falling victim to this scam.