Walvis Bay expansion put on hold

The move comes after other local bidders, all Namibian black empowerment entities with foreign investors, took the matter to the Namibian Director of the Anti-Corruption Commission, Paulus Noa. Subsequently both Namport and CHEC were cleared of any wrongdoing.

The expansion plans include a new container terminal to be built on reclaimed land south of the existing port. Local rumours say the contract has fallen apart over funding issues, although there has been no comment from either of the two parties involved.

According to reports in Port & Terminals, the current situation is believed to open the way for Hyundai Engineering and Construction to seek securing the contract, although the cancellation doesn’t necessarily mean that CHEC is out of the equation. Last month it was also reported that Japan was interested in helping to finance the expansion.