29 Jul 2018

Ngamiland Local Contractors Association committee has been advised to uphold the association’s values and conduct business in a transparent manner in order to protect the reputation of their association.

Formed in 2012, the association aims to bring artisans and contractors in the in the Ngamiland district and North West District together to have one voice.

Speaking during the launch of the association, Maun Administrative Authority assistant district commissioner, Mr Ramogaupi Gaborekwe advised that they should follow their constitution, promote fairness and do things procedurally noting that these were the pillars of democracy which could make their association strong and relevant.

He said doing things openly and properly would earn them trust and attract more membership.

Membership, he said was the backbone of every association and urged them to embark on recruitment drive.

In addition, he said they should make the association visible saying that there were many associations formed in the district with some still going strong while some had collapsed because of lack of commitment.

Although, he said it was not an easy and smooth journey to lead an association, he encouraged them to be patient and be prepared to face the challenges they may encounter.

“An association is not meant to fight against the government but it exists to be the voice of its members, engages government on some issues of concern and update its members with any changes within the sector,” he added.

Mr Gaborekwe further said the government recognised formation and importance of associations in the country hence the formulation of policy to regulate them.

Furthermore, he urged individuals, artisans and local contractors to register with the association.

He explained the importance and benefits of joining association saying an association plays a vital role in promoting trade laws and best practices as well as encourage and aid business in becoming more competitive within the sector.

He revealed that it was easy for government to listen and act on their concerns as an association as compared to when they work in silos.

Mr Gaborokwe noted that there were excellent opportunities in an association as members network, advise each other and share critical information and ideas on who they could grow their businesses.

The gathering learnt that the government was concerned with the import bill while there were capable people who could produce the products imported.

For his part, the deputy chairperson of the association, Mr Bagami Modisaemang informed the gathering that since the existence of the association, they had not achieved their mandate.

He said they experienced challenges as people were not coming forth to register despite efforts to sell the association.

The chairperson, Mr Tollie Jullio shared some clauses in their constitution saying they want government to invest them with powers to ensure all contractors join the association and that all contractors from outside which had been engaged to undertake some project in the district liaise with them so that they could understand how they would create employment opportunities of the locals.

He said they also want to monitor such contractors to ensure they pay the engaged locals on time adding that they had realised that some contractors disappear without paying workers.

He also stated that they want to collaborate with government and other agencies that fight corruption. ENDS