Observer – Page 237 – Windhoek Observer

18 Aug

Solar power project for Erongo Desalination Plant gets underway

ObserverNational NewsSolar power project for Erongo Desalination Plant gets underway

Niël Terblanché The five Mega Watt solar power plant developed for Orano Mining Namibia which will supply part of the power required for the Erongo Desalination Plant (EDP), reached an important milestone when groundworks at the Trekkopje site commenced recently. According to Christine De Klerk, Orano Mining’s Communication and Communities Consultant, the plant will be constructed under a ten-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with InnoSun Energy Holdings, known as Phase 1 of the Sorexa Project. “The agreement includes the establishment of a five MW solar plant at the Trekkopje Site just northeast of Arandis, from where power will be supplied…

18 Aug

U.S. to invest N$840 million in ‘Reach Namibia’ program

ObserverNational NewsU.S. to invest N$840 million in ‘Reach Namibia’ program

Stefanus Nashama The United State President’s Emergency Plans for AIDS Relief known as (PEPFAR) will invest approximately N$840 million to provide health and social services to vulnerable children, adolescents and youth in Namibia. PEPFAR Namibia Deputy Principal for USAID, Tamara Cox, made this announcement at a media briefing yesterday in the capital. According to Cox, Reach Namibia is a five-year program from 2023 to 2028 operating in eight regions in Namibia where 80 percent of the population resides. She said the program is implemented by two local organisations which are Project HOPE Namibia, operating in Khomas, Oshana, Omusati, Ohangwena, Oshikoto…

18 Aug

Nampol to evict officers from Omuthiya barracks…members have until today to vacate

ObserverMaineopoline Kalompo-Nashikaku, Nampol to evict officers from Omuthiya barracks…members have until today to vacate

Stefanus Nashama The Oshikoto Regional Police Commander, Commissioner Teopoline Kalompo-Nashikaku, has informed police officers who are staying with their children at the Omuthiya Police Village to vacate their lodgings today. Kalompo-Nashikaku, while replying to members’ request to have an audience with her on the matter, said the police officers’ request could not be entertained and they should vacate the premises as communicated before. The communication went out in March 2022 and early August this year. “This office regrets to inform you that, your letter dated 07 August 2023 could not be entertained, as police barracks rules remain the same as…

17 Aug

Proposed investment bill will create more unemployment

ObserverObserver MoneyEconomic Policy Research Association (EPRA), Proposed investment bill will create more unemployment

Niël Terblanché Namibia has amongst the highest unemployment rates in the world and the country’s current credit rating has been set at junk status by international rating agencies because of burdensome over regulation from the government. According to the Economic Policy Research Association (EPRA), Namibia’s economy remains stuck in a very precarious position, despite the economic potential provided by green hydrogen and oil discoveries. “With a suboptimal investment environment Namibia can simply not harness the potential these industries may present. We should not suffer under the illusion that (honest) investors are lining up to invest in Namibia. We must make…

17 Aug

MoHSS urged to permanently employ NTLP workers

ObserverNational NewsHidipo Hamata, MoHSS urged to permanently employ NTLP workers

Staff Writer Popular Democratic Movement Member of Parliament, Hidipo Hamata has called on the Ministry of Health and Social Services to reassess the employment status of the staff of the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Programme (NTLP) who have served under contract for over a decade. According to Hamata, the health workers have served in the Ministry within the NTLP program since 2006, contributing significantly to the nation’s healthcare landscape. Despite their unwavering commitment and critical roles, the lawmaker noted that many of them continue to work under precarious contract arrangements, year after year. NTLP is an integral program of the…

17 Aug

Oil and gas exploration should be done in harmony withthe environment: PM

ObserverEnergy, FeaturedOil and gas exploration should be done in harmony withthe environment: PM

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Namibia is a land of unspoiled beauty and rich resources, and the discovery of oil and gas reserves within our borders brings both opportunities and responsibilities. “We must ensure that the development of this sector not only brings equitable economic development but that it is also done in harmony with our environment.” These were the words of Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa- Amadhila, yesterday while speaking at the Oil and Gas Conference in the capital. She said that Namibia’s journey into the major leagues of oil and gas-producing countries should be a carefully considered one. “Because Government is still…

17 Aug

Namibia and South Africa forge an alliance against corruption

ObserverNational Newse Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), Namibia and South Africa forge an alliance against corruption

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) of South Africa have agreed to exchange information about corruption, including sector-specific best practices in forensic investigation methodologies and techniques. This collaboration follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions. ACC spokesperson, Josephine Nghituwamata told Windhoek Observer this week that the primary goal of the MoU is to establish a robust foundation for cooperation between the parties in their collective fight against corruption and economic crimes. “It addresses the reciprocal technical assistance that the two parties will provide to one another as required.…

17 Aug

Rehabilitation of Etosha Roads urgently required

ObserverNational Newsand Tourism, Forestry, Ministry of Environment, Rehabilitation of Etosha Roads urgently required

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Executive Director at the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, Teofilus Nghitila, revealed yesterday that rehabilitation work is needed for the roads within Etosha National Park. Nghitila made this announcement during the launch of the Tourist Statistical Report for 2020. “The Ministry requires additional support for road maintenance and we call upon all stakeholders,” Nghitila stated. He however expressed gratitude to the Roads Authority for their work on the roads leading to Uis, deeming them to be in excellent condition. This statement comes in contrast to the ministry’s s earlier denial of allegations and widespread perceptions that Etosha…

17 Aug

Masubia Traditional Authority given three months to elect a chief

ObserverNational NewsMasubia Traditional Authority given three months to elect a chief

Martin Endjala Minister of Urban and Rural Development Erastus Uutoni, has given the Masubia Traditional Authority three months to choose one candidate for the chieftainship position which has been vacant since the death of former chief Munitenge Kisco Liswani III in July 2021. Uutoni wrote to Masubia Traditional Community Head Princess, Sinte Maiba, earlier this month, informing her about the outcome of the ministerial investigations in the chieftainship succession dispute which was carried out between 05 to 18 December 2022 and 15 to 20 May 2023. The minister informed Maiba that, the investigating committee revealed that according to their observations,…

17 Aug

Repo rate remains unchanged at 7.75 percent

ObserverMainBank of Namibia, Johannes !Gawaxab, Repo rate remains unchanged at 7.75 percent

Martin Endjala Following a comprehensive review of global, regional and domestic economic developments, the Bank of Namibia Monetary Policy Committee decided to maintain the current repo rate at 7.75 percent for the next two months, while also ensuring that stable platforms are created to grow the economy. During the announcement yesterday in Oshakati, Bank of Namibia Governor, Johannes !Gawaxab, responded to concerns and the impact the repo rate has on the economy and unemployed individuals. He said that the repo rate has a negative and positive impact on people’s lives and the economy, however, he is of the view that…