Windhoek Observer – Page 235 – Windhoek Observer

23 Jun

Criminals cause water shortages in Erongo towns

National News

Niël Terblanché A fresh wave of copper cable theft has disrupted water supply to several Erongo towns in the space of one week. Utilities were forced to ration limited water reserves while technicians rushed to restore power to affected boreholes. The latest theft occurred just before midnight on Saturday, 21 June, when thieves cut the Ruby Main overhead power line supplying the Swartbank and Rooibank boreholes, which feed Walvis Bay. The Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) said the attack immediately cut off 650 cubic metres of water per hour to the port town. NamWater’s spokesperson, Lot Ndamanomhata, said engineers had to…

23 Jun

Walvis Bay councillor distances himself from student grant decision

National News

Allexer Namundjebo Walvis Bay Rural Constituency councillor Donatus Tegako has denied claims that he used his position to award a study grant to his alleged cousin, Patrik Naftal. Tegako says the accusations are false and politically driven. The allegations involve a N$10 000 grant reportedly awarded to Naftal through the Constituency Development Committee. Critics claim the amount exceeded the maximum N$5 000 usually granted per student and suggest Naftal received special treatment due to family ties with Tegako. Responding to Windhoek Observer, Tegako said he does not manage or approve financial decisions at the regional council. “I want to make…

23 Jun

NamWater deploys generators to stabilise Walvis Bay water supply

National News

Niël Terblanché NamWater has introduced temporary measures to support the water supply to Walvis Bay, following ongoing shortages caused by damaged power infrastructure. Most of the damage comes from copper wire theft, affecting electricity transmission to boreholes in the Kuiseb River Delta. NamWater spokesperson Lot Ndamanomhata said the utility began using generator sets on 16 June 2025 to power selected boreholes in the Kuiseb New Delta Scheme. He said the shortages are also due to failing overhead power lines that have deteriorated from age, corrosion, and repeated exposure to harsh weather, which has limited borehole performance. “This interim solution aims…

23 Jun

Nedbank-Trollope deal targets growth in mineral sector

Observer Money

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Nedbank Namibia has finalised the funding deal with Trollope Contractors Namibia (Pty) Ltd, a subsidiary of the South African-based Trollope Mining Group. Nedbank Namibia managing director Martha Murorua announced the agreement on Monday, calling it the start of a strategic partnership to advance Namibia’s mining sector. The funding includes asset-based finance and working capital to support Trollope’s mining operations in the country. “The Nedbank funding is expected to create employment opportunities and stimulate economic activity in the Erongo Region. A strategic partnership for growth. Trollope Contractors Namibia is a new entrant to the Namibian market but brings with…

23 Jun

Old Mutual commits N$1m to SMEs

Observer Money

Justicia Shipena The Old Mutual Foundation by Old Mutual Namibia has allocated N$1 million toward its flagship entrepreneurship programme, the Old Mutual Sustainable, Economic and Empowerment Drive (OM SEED). The funding marks the launch of the fourth and final leg of the initiative, known as OM SEED 4.0, under the theme “Rooted in Growth for Sustainability”. The final phase will focus on the Omaheke, Otjozondjupa, Omusati, and Kunene regions. The programme aims to support local entrepreneurs with seed funding, mentorship, and business development support. Since its launch in 2022, OM SEED has empowered more than 100 entrepreneurs across Namibia. “Through…

23 Jun

Puros solar project reaches N$14 million investment

National News

Justicia Shipena The Puros Solar Mini-Grid project has reached a total investment of N$14 million. This follows a recent N$8 million contribution from the ministry of industry, mines and energy. The latest funding forms part of a service-level agreement between the Ministry and the Environmental Investment Fund (EIF) of Namibia. EIF spokesperson Romeo Muyunda said the new investment marks a major step in expanding access to sustainable and affordable energy in the Kunene Region. Launched in 2024, the Puros project is a joint effort between the EIF and the Northern Regional Electricity Distributor (NORED). It is co-financed by the Ministry…

23 Jun

Young innovator builds a mahangu harvesting tool

National News

Allexer Namundjebo At the age of 23, Marshall Aibeb from the Hai//om San community has built a mahangu threshing machine to help farmers during harvest season. The machine simplifies the difficult and time-consuming process of threshing mahangu, also known as pearl millet. Aibeb is a level 2 metal fabrication student at the Community Skills Development Foundation (COSDEF) in Ondangwa. He received a scholarship from the Palms for Life Fund, which supports youth in marginalised communities. “I enrolled at COSDEF the year before last through the Palms for Life Scholarship, and I started my internship this March. I’ll finish in August,”…

23 Jun

NFA insists finances are in order

Featured, Sports

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Namibia Football Association (NFA) says its audited financial reports are clean and reflect sound governance and ethical leadership. NFA's director for finance, procurement and human resources, Mino Gariseb, made the statement on Monday in response to reports that the football body's finances were not in order. Gariseb said that while public scrutiny is important in strengthening institutions, the NFA wants to correct any misrepresentations and reaffirm its commitment to financial integrity and transparency. He said sponsors and partners can remain confident in the NFA’s operations, which meet regulatory standards and promote long-term value as a responsible football…

23 Jun

U20 girls ready for tough COSAFA battle

Featured, Sports

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The under-20 women’s national team is aiming to take full advantage of playing at home during this year’s COSAFA U20 Championship. The tournament will be held in Windhoek from 4 to 13 July 2025, as part of the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games. Namibia missed out on last year’s edition in November but returns with renewed focus. They are placed in Group A alongside Mozambique, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. Assistant coach Errol Damaseb said the group phase will be challenging, but the team is determined to advance. “The group stage will not be easy, but…

23 Jun

Strait of Hormuz crossroads: Israel-Iran unrest poses significant threats to energy markets

Featured, Opinions

JOSEF KEFAS SHEEHAMA It's uncertain if Iran will attempt to close the Strait of Hormuz, which ship 20-25% of the global oil. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz would have an immediate impact on global oil prices, potentially leading to significant global economic crises. According to energy experts, the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway that connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, is critical for global oil trade and security. Its strategic importance arises from its role as the key conduit for oil and gas exports from major Middle Eastern exporters to…