ACC investigates Lüderitz Waterfront Company

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has launched an investigation into allegations of large-scale corruption at the Lüderitz Waterfront Development Company (LWDC), including claims that contracts for the waterfront project were awarded without an open tender process.ACC Deputy Director-General Erna van der Merwe confirmed the probe to Namibian Sun on Friday, stating that the commission has received reports of alleged corruption at the company. A senior ACC investigator had been dispatched to Lüderitz to examine the wide-ranging allegations, officials said.LWDC is a public enterprise created to stimulate economic activities and growth at the south coast harbour town. Documents seen by Namibian Sun reveal concerns regarding procurement irregularities, financial mismanagement, and potential conflicts of interest at LWDC.One of the primary allegations involves Nawa Nawa Construction Company, which was awarded contracts for both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Lüderitz waterfront development, allegedly without an open tender. Following the termination of Nexus Group’s contract, Nawa Nawa allegedly assumed the project without a new tender being advertised, raising transparency concerns.Further fueling conflict-of-interest allegations, Nawa Nawa Construction Company is reportedly constructing the private residence of LWDC CEO Fluksman Samuehl. The terms under which this work was done are not clear. LWDC has also been accused of procurement irregularities, including purchasing gym equipment at the highest quoted price rather than selecting the most cost-effective option. Additionally, the gym’s operator is reportedly from Samuehl’s home village, raising questions about favouritism.Allegations extend to irregular hiring practices, with several employees - including cleaners - reportedly recruited without a formal process or public job advertisements. The head of the cleaning department is allegedly Samuehl’s close relative, with no clear record of how she was appointed.Both Samuehl and LWDC board chairperson Angel Tordesillas have ignored requests for comment.Tordesillas has served as LWDC board chairperson since 2009, despite board rotations over the years. Allegations suggest his prolonged tenure is linked to efforts to maintain control over LWDC operations without external oversight.Concerns have also been raised over the funding of Samuehl’s book, Lüderitz: A Journey Through Time, which he co-authored with Tordesillas. The book was allegedly financed through LWDC’s current account, despite claims that Novanam sponsored it - raising questions about potential misuse of company funds.Reports indicate that LWDC staff members who raise concerns about corruption face intimidation, victimisation, or dismissal.Namibian Sun reported last week that Samuehl is being considered for the position of secretary to cabinet, when the new government under Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah takes office this week.Government funding and project delaysLast year, The Brief reported that the government allocated N$88 million to complete Phase 2 of the LWDC project.Phase 2 focuses on renovating and upgrading Lüderitz’s old power station. Initially approved by Cabinet in 2008, the project was supposed to be completed in 2014 but faced delays due to financial constraints. The total cost upon completion is estimated at N$400 million.The funding comes from the N$100 billion national budget tabled by Finance and Public Enterprises Minister Iipumbu Shiimi at the start of the financial year. The development includes the nearly completed Lüderitz campus of the Namibia University of Science and Technology.Phase 1 of the project introduced Harbour Square, which features shops, restaurants, offices, and flats. Approximately N$35 million was spent on infrastructure, public facilities, and other structures.

ACC investigates Lüderitz Waterfront Company

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-17

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ACC investigates Lüderitz Waterfront Company

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-17

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