info_e12wt4cs – Page 234

22 Aug

Billion dollars for water infrastructure

info_e12wt4csObserver MoneyOhangwena II Wellfield Water Supply Schemes, Ondangwa-Omutsegwonime bulk water supply scheme, Outapi Water Treatment Works, Rundu Water Treatment Plant Extension

CHAMWE KAIRA Water utility, NamWater is developing plans to improve Namibia’s water infrastructure with the launch of four major projects valued at over N$1 billion. One of the projects is the Henties Bay reservoir pipeline upgrade that involves the replacement of a critical five-kilometre water pipeline, an essential conduit from the Omdel aquifer. With a project cost of N$15 million, this initiative ensures are liable water supply for the Henties Bay area, reflecting the government’s dedication to service delivery despite Namibia’s challenging geography. NamWater said this upgrade is crucial for maintaining water reliability in one of Namibia’s key coastal towns,…

22 Aug

Central region property growing rapidly

info_e12wt4csObserver MoneyFNB House Price Index, Simonis Storm Security.

CHAMWE KAIRA The central region has experienced significant and consistent growth according to a report prepared by Simonis Storm Security. The report said northern region displayed a steady but slower rise in prices compared to the central and coastal regions. The southern region exhibited the most volatility, with sharp fluctuations, but ultimately ended on an upward trend. However, the national average line reflects a consistent rise in house prices, emphasizing the overall growth in Namibia's housing market, the report said. The FNB House Price Index report for the first quarter of this year revealed a subdued housing market across Namibia,…

22 Aug

Belgian, Dutch tourists flock to Namibia

info_e12wt4csObserver Money

CHAMWE KAIRA The number of tourists from Belgium, The Netherlands, and Luxembourg increased by a record high of 11.6% in July. This is the highest number of visitors in five years. According to the Hospitality Association of Namibia (HAN), July and August are traditionally peak travel months for the European Union. Although there was a slight decline in visitors from France, likely due to the Olympics and other events, the Belgium, The Netherlands, and Luxembourg (Benelux) market has filled this gap, according to a report by Simonis Storm Securities. This trend reflects the strong market presence of Benelux tourists, bolstered…

22 Aug

Car sales exceeded pre-pandemic levels

info_e12wt4csObserver MoneyBank of Namibia, Simonis Storm Securities

CHAMWE KAIRA Simonis Storm Securities believe that the 25 basis point repo rate cut by the Bank of Namibia is unlikely to significantly impact vehicle sales in the short term, given that current sales figures have already exceeded pre-pandemic levels, reflecting a resilient market recovery. The firm noted that the second-hand vehicle market has gained considerable traction, becoming an attractive option for buyers amid economic prudence. This trend suggests a shift in consumer preferences towards more cost-effective alternatives, especially in an environment where luxury vehicle purchases remain restricted. Simonis noted the deceleration in motor vehicle price inflation suggests some relief…

22 Aug

Qatar Airways acquires 25% stake in Airlink

info_e12wt4csObserver MoneyRodger Foster, World’s Best Airline’s Africa

Qatar Airways Group has acquired a 25% stake in Southern Africa’s premier independent regional carrier, Airlink. The announcement is a continuation of the multi award-winning airline’s ambition to further develop its operations across the African continent. The investment in Airlink, which flies to more than 45 destinations in 15 African countries will enhance a code-sharing partnership between the two airlines. The deal will bolster the World’s Best Airline’s Africa growth strategy and cement its role as a key driver to the continent’s economic success. On the announcement, Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer,said: “Our investment in…

22 Aug

Southern Africa tourism safe from Mpox

info_e12wt4csObserver MoneyAfrica Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), Tshifhiwa Tshivengwa

In light of recent global health declarations regarding Mpox, the SADC Business Council Tourism Alliance has reaffirmed that Southern Africa remains a safe and welcoming destination for tourism. The Tourism Alliance emphasized the region’s swift and coordinated response to the situation, while highlighting the minimal risk to travellers. On August 14, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) for the second time in two years. This was followed by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) declaring a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS) on 13 August. These…

21 Aug

Oil industry warned against fronting

info_e12wt4csEnergy, Main

Martin Endjala The deputy minister of Mines and Energy, Kornelia Shilunga, has warned players in the oil and gas industry against fronting Namibians into positions. She made these remarks during the 2024 Namibia Oil and Gas Conference that started in Windhoek on Wednesday. “Ideally, all vacant positions should be advertised in local media to ensure that Namibians, who meet minimum requirements from all corners of the country, have an equal employment opportunity,” she said. This year's conference theme is “The Next Step Towards a Prosperous Oil and Gas Industry.” Shilunga said she has learnt that some oil industry players are…

21 Aug

Ally Angula blames Swapo for 34 years of economic disaster and broken dreams

info_e12wt4csNational Newsnational economic disaster

Stefanus Nashama Independent presidential candidate, Ally Angula has accused the Swapo-led government of causing a national economic disaster and financial struggle. Angula made this statement on Monday on her digital election campaign platforms. She believes that, economically, the past 34 years have yet to deliver a satisfactory life for most people. “The current administration led by the Swapo party has for 34 years slowly created an economic national disaster that has left way too many people out in the cold with no chance at earning an income,” she said. According to Angula, many regional capitals lack a manufacturing base to…

21 Aug

Experts urge funding for media fair 2024 election reporting

info_e12wt4csNational NewsChristian Keulder

Martin Endjala Several experts have called for increased funding for media personnel covering the 2024 national elections due to financial constraints. Christian Keulder, an independent researcher, said many media houses are grappling with the harsh reality of a lack of funds when covering news events across the country, with journalists resorting to only covering news in their immediate areas. On Wednesday, FesMedia organised a panel discussion on the role of media in promoting democratic elections in Namibia, during which he shared this information. Keulder is worried about the accuracy and coverage of the 2024 elections due to the circumstances he…

21 Aug

PDM’s Hamata pushes for leadership continuity

info_e12wt4csNational NewsHidipo Hamata, Popular Democratic Movement

Stefanus Nashama A member of the Popular Democratic Movement’s (PDM) central committee, Hidipo Hamata, is advocating for the party members to give the current top six leaders another term. In an interview with the Windhoek Observer on Wednesday, Hamata said the upcoming election requires PDM to maintain the current leadership to navigate and ensure the party’s continuity, leveraging their necessary experience and strategic insight. “As our party approaches the upcoming national congress in the Zambezi region, I strongly urge all delegates to endorse the current top six leaders for another term. The forthcoming election is a pivotal moment for the…