Windhoek Observer

Allexer Namundjembo The Financial Institutions and Markets Act (FIMA), which faced criticism and was put on hold last year, is now on the verge of being re-tabled in Parliament following the recommendation of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Budget and Finance.  The committee urged the finance minister to implement the bill without further delay. The chairperson of the committee, Phillipus Katamelo, presented the recommendation in Parliament yesterday, emphasising the urgent need for swift action. Katamelo, in his address, stressed the importance of implementing the FIMA regulations within 90 days. "Allow me to also state the need for a speedy implementation…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  The Omusati health director, Alfons Amoomo, said the region has not been identified as a cholera hotspot but is prepared to respond should an outbreak occur. Speaking to Windhoek Observer, Amoomo said the Omusati region has strengthened its surveillance system and is monitoring the situation closely following an outbreak in Luanda, Angola. "Our surveillance health system is ready to investigate, detect, confirm, and institute timely intervention in any cholera outbreaks," Amoomo said. He said measures in place include intensified surveillance for early detection, sensitisation of health workers to be vigilant, and ongoing public health education on hygiene practices.…

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The City of Windhoek’s (CoW) mayor, Ndeshihafela Larandja has declared that her leadership will focus on action-driven governance through structured execution rather than political rhetoric.  Speaking during her mayoral inauguration on Wednesday, Larandja emphasised the need for transformative governance, economic acceleration, and civic engagement to address Windhoek’s challenges. She was elected mayor in January this year. Larandja stated that Windhoek cannot afford another decade of stagnation and called for a reinvigorated approach to governance. “I do not stand here today to announce an intention; I stand here to declare action. We will govern not through political rhetoric but…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja  The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) has dismissed claims of an airborne virus causing severe stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhoea.  The ministry’s executive director, Ben Nangombe, urged the public to seek official information from the relevant authorities. “We don’t act on rumours. If there was anything at all, we would verify the veracity of that claim. What we do have is a cholera outbreak in the Kunene region and the measles outbreak, which we announced in December,” he said. He added that the ministry has not recorded any other public health concerns and condemned the spread…

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, in partnership with UNESCO Namibia, has officially launched the ICT Transforming Education in Africa – Phase III initiative, an ambitious project aimed at integrating digital technology into the education system. The initiative forms part of the UNESCO-Korean Funds-in-Trust (KFIT) programme, a multinational effort to harness information and communication technology (ICT) for educational development across Sub-Saharan Africa. Education minister Ester Anna Nghipondoka described the project as an essential step in modernising the education system to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving digital landscape. “Technology is no longer a luxury; it is…

The latest dam level update from NamWater indicates significant positive inflows into key dams, improving overall water storage and boosting Namibia’s water security. Since 10 March 2025, Von Bach, Swakoppoort, Hardap, Naute, and Neckartal Dams have recorded increased water levels, extending their capacity to sustain water supply in their respective regions. Current Dam Levels as of 12 March: Von Bach Dam: Increased from 35.3% to 35.8%, with an additional 239,000 cubic metres of water. Swakoppoort Dam: Improved from 37.5% to 38.4%, receiving a total of 572,000 cubic metres. Hardap Dam: Now at 24.2% capacity, gaining 5.839 million cubic metres over…

Niël Terblanché Namibia has launched a new Coordinated Border Management (CBM) national strategy and Inter-Agency Standard Operations Framework, aimed at enhancing the country’s role as a trade hub for Southern Africa.  The initiative, introduced in Windhoek on Monday, seeks to streamline cross-border trade, improve customs efficiency, and reduce delays at border points and seaports. Speaking at the launch in Windhoek, Sikongo Haihambo, the executive director of the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade, acknowledged the challenges posed by prolonged clearance times at Namibia’s border points and seaports. “A cargo takes about 19 days to depart after clearance at Walvis Bay Port.…