Observer

6347 Posts
NFPCT launch pilot project to enhance product distribution

NFPCT launch pilot project to enhance product distribution

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Fish Consumption Promotion Trust (NFPCT) has taken another step towards increasing local fish distribution with the introduction of its Distribution Agency Pilot Project. The project was recently launched in Walvis Bay, marking a milestone with the appointment of thirteen new distribution agents through a signing ceremony. Suzan Ndjaleka, the NFPCT board chairperson highlighted the growing demand for fish in the country, attributed to the rise in population, which now stands at 3 million according to the 2023 Housing and Population Census. "The increasing need for fish is evident and through this project, we aim to collaborate…
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N$825 million set aside for drought relief

N$825 million set aside for drought relief

Niël TerblanchéIn an effort to combat the severe drought conditions plaguing residents of various regions, the Cabinet has sanctioned N$825 million for the Drought Relief Support Programme. The announcement was made by Emma Theofelus, the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, in a recent document outlining Cabinet decisions. The Drought Relief Support Programme is designed to mitigate the adverse effects on communities and farmers directly impacted by the drought. A sum of N$600 million has been designated specifically for food assistance, for affected communities. Distribution will start from 1 July through to 30 June 2025. The remaining funds are earmarked…
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CoW to escalate water restrictions as supply dries up

CoW to escalate water restrictions as supply dries up

Niël Terblanché The City of Windhoek (CoW) is on the brink of declaring a severe Category D water scarcity, compelling it to implement stringent water-saving measures as water supply to the capital is under severe strain. This decision follows a drastic reduction in water supply by NamWater, which has decreased from 75% to 40% of the city's total demand due to critically low water levels in the primary supply dams. At a meeting on Thursday evening the deputy mayor of Windhoek, Joseph Uapingene said there is a need to reduce water consumption by at least 10%. “Unfortunately, water-conserving targets have…
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South Africa celebrates 30 years of progress and unity with Namibia

South Africa celebrates 30 years of progress and unity with Namibia

Niël Terblanché The South African High Commissioner to Namibia, Thenjiwe Mtintso lauded Namibia and its people for their invaluable support in South Africa's fight for freedom. He made the remarks during a gathering at the country’s High Commission in Windhoek this The High Commission in Windhoek has already launched a series of events under the banner "Advancing Growth." As Namibia’s southern neighbour approaches its 30th anniversary of democracy this Saturday, Mtintso said that the commemorative activities are not only a celebration of South Africa's three decades of democracy but also a tribute to the enduring solidarity and shared struggles between…
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President Mbumba honours 60 years of Tanzanian unity

President Mbumba honours 60 years of Tanzanian unity

Niël Terblanché President Nangolo Mbumba, in a demonstration of Pan-African solidarity, has embarked on a visit to Tanzania to partake in the 60th anniversary celebration of the Union Day. Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged into the United Republic of Tanzania on 26 April 1964. Before he departed from Windhoek, President Mbumba, in his message of felicitations, recalled the profound words of Julius Nyerere, reflecting on how they continue to guide Tanzania towards unity, development, and prosperity. "Today, I will join the fraternal people and the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania to commemorate six decades of a successful Union," Mbumba…
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IPC is not banking on oil discoveries for socio-economic programmes – Itula

IPC is not banking on oil discoveries for socio-economic programmes – Itula

Stefanus Nashama The leader of the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), Panduleni Itula says the party if voted into power, is not going to rely on oil discoveries to fund its socio-economic programmes. Itula said this in an interview with the Windhoek Observer on Thursday where he responded to allegations circulating on social media where he said if voted into power, IPC would have N$600 billion to develop the country. “IPC is not banking on oil discoveries for its socio-economic programmes”,” he said. There has been speculation that there is money flowing into the country from Western countries interested in…
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Auditor General finds agronomic board in violation of agreement

Auditor General finds agronomic board in violation of agreement

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Auditor General Junias Kandjeke has revealed that the Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB) failed to comply with key provisions outlined in its Memorandum of Agreement. In the report on the accounts of NAB for the financial years ended 31 March 2022 and 2023, Kandjeke highlighted a breach in Article 8, paragraph 5.2, which mandates the appointment of an arbitrator under the approval of the Minister. “The Board terminated the service of its agent, the Agro-Marketing and Trade Agency (AMTA), at year-end 31 March 2020 without the Minister's approval, which is in contravention with Section 10(1)(g) of the Agronomic Industry…
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Horrific bus crash in the Namib claims two lives

Horrific bus crash in the Namib claims two lives

Niël Terblanché Two female tourists, aged 69 and 72 succumbed to injuries on the scene of a horrific crash which involved three buses and a self-drive tourist car on the C214 Road between Walvis Bay and the Kuiseb River Canyon on Wednesday. The crash occurred when the brakes of a Scania tour bus that was driving downhill from the direction of Windhoek, allegedly failed. According to Chief Inspector Ileni Shapumba, the head of the community affairs division of the Erongo police, the driver of the bus lost control and smashed into a stationary bakkie and a smaller tourist bus that…
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Striking a balance between growth and sustainability with oil and gas in Namibia

Striking a balance between growth and sustainability with oil and gas in Namibia

Niël Terblanché The Namibian government will have to remain steadfast in its dual commitment to environmental preservation and economic prosperity when tackling the development of the oil and gas industry. At the official opening of the Namibia International Energy Conference 2024, the Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo gave the assurance that the nation's mushrooming oil and gas industry aligns with stringent environmental regulations. The conference in Windhoek is presented under the theme, ‘Reimagine Resource-Rich Namibia: Turning Possibilities into Prosperity’. “Those who critique the environmental implications often do so from a place of comfort, detached from the realities faced…
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RedForce threatens legal action against Walvis Bay’s municipal council

RedForce threatens legal action against Walvis Bay’s municipal council

Martin Endjala RedForce Debt Management has threatened to take legal action against the Municipality of Walvis Bay for breach of contract. This follows the motion that was passed by the council to terminate the contract earlier this week. RedForce’s deputy chief executive and legal advisor, Magaret Malambo told Windhoek Observer that the company finds it very comical for the council to terminate a valid contract already in place. “We find it very alarming and comical that the council has passed a motion contrary to the signed contract terms between the parties. Before our procurement and subsequent appointment, a council resolution…
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