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Niël Terblanché In a strategic move to combat the ongoing water scarcity in Namibia's coastal and central regions, the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform has announced plans to start the construction of a second desalination plant in early 2025. This project, set to enhance the country's water infrastructure, will soon be submitted to the Cabinet for approval. Agriculture Minister Calle Schlettwein confirmed that NamWater will collaborate with the Swakop Uranium on this initiative. The new plant intends to significantly boost the Erongo Region's water supply capacity by converting seawater into potable water. This is in response to escalating…

Ester Mbathera Swakopmund municipality prefers to handle its clients' debts in-house. This is despite the fact that residents, businesses, NGOs, ministries, and other property owners collectively owe the municipality a total of N$132 million. Linda Mupupa, the municipality’s spokesperson, told the Windhoek Observer on Tuesday that they are merely sticking to their mandate to operate as a self-sustaining entity as per the Local Authority Act of 1992, as amended. “Self-sufficiency in this regard means the council is to collect rates and taxes from residents, business owners, and property owners in return for services rendered. The council's current stance is to…

Martin Endjala In response to Namibia's persistently high unemployment rate among young people, the Capricorn Foundation has pledged to invest N$1 million in Bank Windhoek’s Young Talent Programme. The Capricorn Academy for School Leavers, a new initiative under Bank Windhoek's overarching Young Talent Programme, will receive the funds. Marlize Horn, the executive communications officer of the Capricorn Foundation, made this announcement last week. She said the Capricorn Academy for School Leavers aims to address the pressing issue of youth unemployment by providing training and employment opportunities for promising young Namibians. “Recognising the urgency of this national challenge, the Capricorn Foundation…

Niël Terblanché President Nangolo Mbumba and Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, outlined Namibia's ambitious plans to harness green hydrogen as a catalyst for economic transformation and sustainable development at the World Hydrogen Summit in the Netherlands. In his address, President Mbumba stated that Namibia views the 21st century as a transformative era for Africa, with green technologies playing a key role in industrialization and economic growth. "Green hydrogen is the brainchild of my predecessor, the late President Hage Geingob, who recognised its potential in early 2021," Mbumba said while adding that Namibia is currently developing nine hydrogen projects…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Amidst an ongoing leadership upheaval, the Mine Workers Union of Namibia’s (MUN) Executive Committee (NEC) has lifted the suspension of 11 members. At the same time, the union has also appointed former Namdeb branch chairperson, Shavuka Mbidhi to the position of acting vice president. The decision comes after former president Ismael Kasuto and vice president Densley Somseb were suspended because of allegations of financial impropriety and a lack of leadership. According to MUN acting president, Mathew Mberiuana and secretary general George Ampweya, the NEC has opted to lift the suspension of the eleven members. “After due consideration of…