Windhoek Observer

Allexer Namundjebo  The City of Windhoek will investigate the use of a municipal dump truck that was seen displaying a political party flag. The incident has raised public concern over the misuse of city property. Social justice activist Michael Amushelelo reported on Saturday that he saw the truck being used for a political campaign.  He said the conduct was unacceptable and called for action against the driver. “My fellow Namibians, today I witnessed a City of Windhoek municipal dump truck being used for the corrupt regime campaign,” he said.  He demanded a disciplinary hearing and the most severe punishment for…

Justicia Shipena President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah has urged citizens to pay their water bills on time, saying the sustainability of the country’s water services depends on it. Local authorities were found to owe NamWater about N$3.5 billion, according to urban and rural development minister James Sankwasa.  NamWater reported earlier in March that local authorities, municipalities, town councils, individuals, village councils and rural water communities owed N$2.4 billion. The figure marked a 16% increase from the N$2.1 billion recorded in June 2024, with local authorities carrying the biggest share of the debt at N$889 million.  “Moving forward, we must remember that water…

Justicia Shipena  The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) has shut down UCOM Mobile Namibia and confiscated its radio equipment after repeated violations of the Communications Act. Cran said UCOM continued transmitting illegally even after its spectrum licences were cancelled in February and December 2023.  The cancellations were due to non-payment of fees and inefficient use of spectrum that resulted in hoarding. The regulator gave UCOM six months, until June 2024, to migrate its roughly 1 000 customers and close its operations.  According to Cran, all services were meant to stop after that deadline. Cran’s executive for communication and consumer…

Allexer Namundjembo  The City of Windhoek has approved a 20-year Integrated Water and Wastewater Master Plan.  The plan was adopted at the last municipal council meeting for the year, held last week.  The move comes as the capital faces rising water shortages and growing climate pressures. The council said the master plan outlines how it will source, use and manage water over the next two decades, with a focus on securing supply, protecting the environment and upgrading ageing wastewater infrastructure. Windhoek continues to experience severe water stress.  Dam levels at Von Bach, Omatako and Swakoppoort have dropped sharply in recent…

Justicia Shipena Environment and tourism minister Indileni Daniel says the global trade and finance systems must reward countries that commit to low-carbon development.  She said developing nations need fairer market access and trade rules that support climate action. Daniel delivered this message during a UNCTAD side event at the ongoing Conference of Parties (COP30) in Belém, Brazil.  She told delegates that current systems often disadvantage countries that are pursuing green industrialisation. She said countries like Namibia are investing heavily in low-carbon production but face barriers created by outdated trade rules and unpredictable carbon border policies. She cautioned that developing nations…