Windhoek Observer

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Namibia Local Business Association (Naloba) says a recent government tender under the Transport Infrastructure Improvement Project (TIIP) Phase II could block local businesses from participating due to a high bid security requirement. The tender, issued by the Ministry of Works and Transport on 15 April, is for the supply of 48 48kg/m rails and turnouts.  It forms part of the upgrade of railway lines between Otjiwarongo and Tsumeb and between Otavi and Grootfontein.  The project is funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and follows the bank’s 2015 procurement framework through the open competitive bidding (international) method.…

Allexer Namundjebo The Ministry of Health and Social Services has placed digital systems at the centre of its N$12.2 billion allocation for the 2025/2026 financial year.  The goal with the allocation is to modernise healthcare and improve its accessibility, especially in remote areas. Health Minister Dr Esperance Luvindao presented the health vote in the National Assembly.  She said the ministry is addressing long-standing service gaps through investment in digital infrastructure. “We are deliberately investing in digital health infrastructure to close service delivery gaps, particularly in remote and underserved areas,” Luvindao said. “Digitisation is no longer optional. It is essential for…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Namibian Police have changed their approach to tackling crime in Windhoek by rezoning the city to improve operations in areas like Havana and Hakahana, where criminal activity is increasing. Deputy Commissioner Chrispin Mubebo confirmed the move as part of broader efforts to address safety concerns and ongoing robberies near unfinished roads and infrastructure. “We have rezoned the City of Windhoek to make sure that our strategies are effective,” said Mubebo. “Operations are ongoing within the city and Khomas Region as a whole to ensure the safety of all people.” Police are investigating several robbery cases, including one…

Niël Terblanché A complete stock-out has not occurred at Rundu Intermediate Hospital, according to the Ministry of Health and Social Services, which has dismissed reports of a medicine and supply crisis as inaccurate. Responding to claims published in a national daily under the headline “Rundu Hospital Crisis: No medicine, no bandages, no malaria test kits,” the ministry’s executive director, Penda Ithindi, said the article contains “several factual inaccuracies” regarding current stock levels. He acknowledged occasional challenges in the sustainable supply of certain items but said these do not amount to a crisis. “The low levels reported earlier had already been…

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Police in the Erongo Region have confirmed that missing police officer George Hamanja Isaacks has been found in good health.  He was discovered alive and well at a house in Kuisebmond on Wednesday morning. Inspector Judith Shomongula, the regional police spokesperson, said Isaacks was located safely after disappearing in Walvis Bay last Friday. Isaacks had travelled to Walvis Bay for official duties. His colleagues last saw him around 14:00 on Friday. Thereafter, he had no contact with anyone. At the time of his disappearance, Isaacks was wearing khaki trousers, a shirt, a blue jean jacket, and…

Niël Terblanché President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will visit Angola today for her first official trip abroad since taking office on 21 March 2025. The two-day working visit aims to strengthen the close relationship between Namibia and Angola. A statement from the Namibian Presidency said Nandi-Ndaitwah will meet Angolan President João Lourenço during the visit. “This visit provides an opportunity for the two countries to further deepen the strong bilateral and trade relations for the benefit of the two Nations,” the statement read. The leaders will discuss ways to boost cooperation in agriculture, trade, and the oil and gas industry. They are…

Niël Terblanché Two men linked to a fraudulent weighbridge deal involving the Roads Authority appeared in the Windhoek Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.  They were each granted N$30 000 bail, and the case was postponed to 1 August 2025 for further investigation. The suspects are Richard Milinga, Divisional Manager of the Transport Inspectorate at the Roads Authority, and Grant Cloete, Managing Director of SASCO.  They were arrested earlier this week as part of an Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) investigation into procurement fraud and misappropriation of public assets. ACC spokesperson Josefina Nghituwamata said the case involves an invoice of N$2 372 704 certified…