Ministries caution against fraudulent bids

THE Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade as well as the Ministry of Works and Transport (MWT) have jointly cautioned the public and all potential investors about a fraudulent bid invitation circulating in the public domain. The illegal call states; “Bids are hereby invited through open international bidding (works) per section 29 (1) (b)of the Public Procurement Act 15 of 2015 as amended”.

The call, under a forged signature of the executive director of the works ministry, is for international bidders to apply for the construction of various extensive developmental projects such as the construction of 2500 and 2800 residential houses and shopping malls in Oranjemund and Luderitz”.

“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,” read a joint ministerial statement.

The ministries further advised the public not to entertain phone calls claiming to be from the executive director Sikongo Haihambo soliciting funds from potential or interested investors.

“The Executive Director will never contact anyone requesting funds, and any public procurement procedures should be followed through the established channels and institutions. The MIT and MWT strongly urge the public not to contact the numbers or deposit any money into the account number(s) provided as this bears risk(s) and irrevocable damages,” the ministries warned.

Meanwhile the public has been encouraged to verify the authenticity of any ministerial notices through the respective corporate communications offices before acting on such notices.