Windhoek Observer – Page 322 – Windhoek Observer

25 Sep

NUST inaugurates satellite campus in Lüderitz

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s education sector took another step forward when the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) officially inaugurated its Lüderitz Research Campus on Wednesday. The new campus will bridge the gap in science and technology education and will play a vital role in advancing Namibia’s green energy ambitions and growing sustainable development. The Chancellor of NUST and Speaker of Parliament, Professor Peter Katjavivi, while officiating at the official launch stressed the critical role that education plays in national progress. He championed the power of education in nurturing critical thinking and innovation, qualities that are essential to propelling Namibia…

25 Sep

NUST promises student accommodation at Lüderitz

National NewsNashilongo Gervasius, Phillippus Balhao

Martin Endjala The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) has confirmed plans to provide accommodation for students at its new satellite research campus in Lüderitz. NUST’s spokesperson, Nashilongo Gervasius, gave the assurance in response to concerns raised about accommodation by Lüderitz mayor, Phillippus Balhao. On Tuesday, Balhao said the accommodation challenges are due to the town's lack of serviced land. “We have acquired land that we have set in motion as part of our strategic expansion plan by the time we have to finalise all the infrastructural development related to the campus, which would be five or more years.…

25 Sep

Drought Relief Programme enhanced as severe food insecurity increases

National NewsSaara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, Vulnerability Assessment and Analysis

Niël Terblanché The government has stepped up its efforts to provide nationwide drought relief as approximately half of the nation suffers the consequences and effects of the severe drought that has the country in its grip. Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila officially launched the National Platform on the implementation of the 2024/25 Drought Relief Programme in Windhoek on Wednesday. The prime Minister said that the platform brings together key stakeholders to ensure a coordinated response to the growing food insecurity crisis, which is expected to impact more than 1.26 million people in the coming months. During the event which was attended…

24 Sep

Costs of office expansion for fisheries ministry surges

MainAugust Twenty-Six Construction, Uaripi Katjiukua, Zhong Mei Engineering Group JV Joevanni (Pty) LTD

Ester Mbathera The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) has requested authorisation from the Procurement Policy Unit in the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises (MFPE) to increase the contract price for its new head office project from N$3.7 million to N$11.4 million. The project, currently 95% complete, faced increased costs due to unanticipated additional works, including the alteration and renovation of the 4th floor, installation of furniture, and completion of electrical and mechanical systems. Work stalled on the project because the previous contractor, Zhong Mei Engineering Group JV Joevanni (Pty) LTD, abandoned the site. This led to MFRM…

24 Sep

GIPF pumps N$5.9 billion into SMEs, housing and green energy

National NewsConville Britz, GIPF's investments

Stefanus Nashama The Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) has made cumulative investments in Namibia exceeding N$5.9 billion across the property, private equity, debt, and infrastructure sectors over the past eleven years. The fund has also produced transformative outcomes by enriching the country's socio-economic landscape in various ways. This is according to GIPF’s General Manager of Investments, Conville Britz. “At the heart of GIPF's investment philosophy lies a steadfast commitment to adding tangible value to Namibia's socio-economic landscape through strategic investments that go beyond seeking financial returns. By directing capital into key sectors of the economy, GIPF plays a pivotal role…

24 Sep

Mbumba calls for strong leadership in the face of global challenges

National NewsPact for the Future, Private Sector Forum

Niël Terblanché President Nangolo Mbumba addressed the Private Sector Forum, at the Summit of the Future, and said that bold leadership will play a critical role in international cooperation and in addressing global challenges. He said the adoption of the Pact for the Future is an ambitious document that calls for world leaders' commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive multilateral system. “The Pact addresses key issues such as international peace and security, digital technology, sustainable development, and financing for development, all of which are central to responding to the complex challenges of the 21st century,” he said. Mbumba added…

24 Sep

Boreholes to address water shortage at village in Kavango East

National NewsKavango East Region, MAWLR, Shamavinyo and Kake villages

Martin Endjala The Shamavinyo and Kake villages near Divundu in the Kavango East region will receive new boreholes following an outcry by the affected communities. Residents of Shamavinyo have complained that the water crisis has been going on for quite some time and the solar water pump in the area has not been working for years. According to one resident, Freddy Marando, the weak pressure frequently forces them to leave their water containers at the pump site in the hope that they will be filled up by the following day. “This issue has been going on for some time. Maybe…

24 Sep

Sunken barge raises concerns about pollution at Lüderitz

National NewsBenguela Current, Kelp Blue

Niël Terblanché Environmentalists raised the alarm over the weekend after a barge belonging to Kelp Blue partially submerged off the coast of Lüderitz, causing concern for damage to marine life in the area. The incident, attributed to bad weather and strong winds, led to the barge partially sinking in Shearwater Bay. Kelp Blue immediately responded, launching a salvage operation while working to clear debris from the shore. A team from Kelp Blue has been at sea since Monday, attempting to recover the barge, while others have been cleaning up washed-up flotsam, which includes ropes, floats, and other debris scattered along…

24 Sep

Parliament to debate equal resources for public schools to match private institutions

National NewsHidipo Hamata, Popular Democratic Movement, Provide Access to Digital Learning Tools

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The National Assembly has adopted a motion to debate how the government can provide adequate resources for public schools to excel like private schools. On Tuesday, Popular Democratic Movement member of parliament, Hidipo Hamata, who tabled the motion, told Windhoek Observer that the motion is driven by a commitment to ensure that Namibian children attending government schools receive the same quality of education as those in private schools. ‘’The primary goal of this motion is to push the government to prioritise equitable resource allocation to all government schools. This means providing essential learning materials, such as textbooks, modern…

24 Sep

Hollard Namibia gives N$750 000 towards early education

National NewsAmos Meerkat School Project, Early Childhood Development (ECD), Hollard Namibia Group

Ester Mbathera The Hollard Namibia Group renewed its three-year sponsorship of N$750 000 for the Amos Meerkat School Project, which prepares farm and informal settlement children for primary education through a specialised curriculum. This renewed commitment will begin in the 2025 financial year. Hollard’s spokesperson, Sam Kauapirua, said the renewed financial support is a testament to the project's remarkable achievements and its crucial role in shaping the future of our nation's youth. “Early Childhood Development (ECD) plays a pivotal role in preparing children for a successful school career and life beyond. In the African context, quality ECD is particularly crucial…