NAC unrepentant over Menzies’ eviction
CEO insists company ‘did the right thing’
Despite its eviction, Menzies still maintains offices at HKIA while its storeroom remains under lock and key.
The Namibia Airports Company (NAC) says it has not thrown caution to the wind with regards to a decision to award a lucrative ground-handling bid to the Paragon Aviation Group, and maintains it sees itself suffering no reputational damage in the long-term.
This follows the eviction of British company Menzies Aviation from the Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA) after the contract to provide ground-handling services was handed to Paragon.
Menzies has since challenged the eviction and has now also launched a challenge into the tender process, amid claims that Paragon does not have the requisite knowledge or experience to provide ground-handling services at the airport.
Despite its eviction, Menzies still maintains offices at HKIA while its storeroom remains under lock and key.
Justified
NAC CEO Bisey Uirab insisted the company was justified in its decision to evict Menzies, saying it had a duty to make sure it complied with Namibia’s laws.
He was speaking during a visit to the airport by the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM).
“We are enforcing the processes that are in place. We have to make sure that people operate within the boundaries of this country. This particular bid came through an open and transparent process; they [Paragon] met the requirements.
“We also believe that Namibians are able to perform as well as [anyone else]. As a country, we must give an opportunity to these people,” he said of awarding the contract to Paragon.
“We cannot allow foreign companies to come and undermine the rule and law of this country,” Uirab added.
Doing the right thing
The NAC was right in its decision to award the contract to Paragon, despite fears that it would not be able to handle ground-handling operations at HKIA, the CEO said.
“People can take it whatever way they want. As NAC management, we feel that we are doing the right thing and that we have nothing to hide.
"The claims and accusations will be dealt with at the right time. For us, we just do what the process has led us to,” he said.
This follows the eviction of British company Menzies Aviation from the Hosea Kutako International Airport (HKIA) after the contract to provide ground-handling services was handed to Paragon.
Menzies has since challenged the eviction and has now also launched a challenge into the tender process, amid claims that Paragon does not have the requisite knowledge or experience to provide ground-handling services at the airport.
Despite its eviction, Menzies still maintains offices at HKIA while its storeroom remains under lock and key.
Justified
NAC CEO Bisey Uirab insisted the company was justified in its decision to evict Menzies, saying it had a duty to make sure it complied with Namibia’s laws.
He was speaking during a visit to the airport by the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM).
“We are enforcing the processes that are in place. We have to make sure that people operate within the boundaries of this country. This particular bid came through an open and transparent process; they [Paragon] met the requirements.
“We also believe that Namibians are able to perform as well as [anyone else]. As a country, we must give an opportunity to these people,” he said of awarding the contract to Paragon.
“We cannot allow foreign companies to come and undermine the rule and law of this country,” Uirab added.
Doing the right thing
The NAC was right in its decision to award the contract to Paragon, despite fears that it would not be able to handle ground-handling operations at HKIA, the CEO said.
“People can take it whatever way they want. As NAC management, we feel that we are doing the right thing and that we have nothing to hide.
"The claims and accusations will be dealt with at the right time. For us, we just do what the process has led us to,” he said.
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