Blog – Page 526 – Windhoek Observer

12 Mar

Namibia’s Banana Project a step closer to self-sufficiency

National NewsNamibia’s Banana Project a step closer to self-sufficiency

Niël Terblanché Namibia has initiated a pioneering banana industry development trial that will take the country closer to agricultural self-sufficiency and innovation, With the planting of 2,222 banana seedlings at Mango Vuluzi farm, located in the Singalamwe area of the Zambezi region, the endeavour, known as the Banana Project, is a significant investment in the country’s agricultural sector. This project, a collaborative effort between the Namibian Agronomic Board (NAB) and AvaGro, focuses on a one-hectare plot and involves the cultivation of two distinct banana varieties, the Grand Naine and Williams, through tissue culture techniques. The Banana Project is aimed at…

12 Mar

Locust swarms ravage crops in Zambezi Region

National News

Niël Terblanché Swarms of red locusts have inflicted extensive damage on crops and vegetation in the Zambezi Region, specifically within the Lake Liambezi and Old Masokotwani areas. The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform has sounded the alarm over the crisis, revealing that these devastating swarms have also been detected in flood zones along the Zambezi River as well as places in the Ohangwena Region. Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, the Executive Director of the ministry, announced the immediate deployment of extermination teams to the affected zones. She said these teams are tasked with conducting intensive surveillance and commencing ground spraying efforts…

12 Mar

A 20-year-old man commits suicide with cousin’s gun

National NewsA 20-year-old man commits suicide with cousin’s gun

Hertta-Maria Amutenja A 20-year-old man is reported to have committed suicide this past weekend by shooting himself in the head with his cousin’s gun at Wanaheda in Windhoek. According to the Namibian Police’s crime report, Salomo Neyonga Valombolas’s lifeless body was found in a pool of blood with a gunshot wound to the head and a gun next to him inside the toilet. “It is reported that the deceased’s cousin who lives with him was woken up by the sound of a gunshot, and noticed that the deceased was not in his room and his firearm which he placed under…

12 Mar

Otavi Magistrate’s Court set for full refurbishment

National NewsOtavi Magistrate’s Court set for full refurbishment

Niël Terblanché Plans to renovate the Otavi Magistrate’s Court have been announced, following a visit by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Capital Projects and Legal Affairs. The decision by the standing committee indicates a potential turning point for a broader renovation campaign of judicial infrastructure in the central northern parts of Namibia. The committee’s fact-finding mission to Otavi was part of a broader assessment of court facilities across the Otjozondjupa Region. The dilapidated state of Otavi’s court facilities prompted the immediate call for action. Tjekero Tweya, the chairperson of the committee, voiced concerns over the current conditions at the Otavi…

12 Mar

Collaborative initiative aimed at sustainable healthcare

National NewsCollaborative initiative aimed at sustainable healthcare

Niël Terblanché Healthcare providers have joined forces with the healthcare funding industry to foster a sustainable future for the healthcare sector. This strategic collaboration is a crucial move designed to revolutionise the healthcare landscape in Namibia and is spearheaded by the Namibia Association of Medical Aid Funds (Namaf), which has announced the formation of the Healthcare Provider Working Group and the Healthcare Provider Forum. According to Namaf, the new platform aims to harness a wide array of functional expertise from healthcare providers to identify and resolve potential issues proactively, thereby minimizing costly mistakes, rework, and miscommunication. Namaf’s initiative reflects a…

12 Mar

Petrofund aims to upskill Namibians for oil and gas industry

Main

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s future oil and gas industry has the potential to create a yet-to-be-determined number of new jobs for appropriately skilled young people. With nine significant discoveries off the coast, Namibia is gearing up to ensure its citizens are at the forefront of this emerging sector. The Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Training and Education Fund (Petrofund), Nillian Mulemi, stated that an abundance of qualified Namibians ready to contribute to and benefit from the industry’s growth already exists. The Petrofund, in response to future industry needs, has launched several programs aimed at providing Namibians with the necessary skills…

11 Mar

Nida slammed for ongoing power outage at its employee’s homes

National NewsNida slammed for ongoing power outage at its employee’s homes

Martin Endjala Namibia Industrial Development Agency (Nida) has been slammed for failing to address a continuing power outage at the homes of the Naute Dam’s employees. Keetmanshoop Rural Constituency Councillor Willem Labuschagne said during an interview with Windhoek Observer that although the Naute Dam factory has electricity, the workers have been without electricity for almost a month now. He said that the situation has not been resolved. He described the situation of the workers as unbearable. He also declared the state-owned entity as unfit to oversee the functions of Naute Dam amidst the continuous power outages at the living quarters…

11 Mar

Opportunity for Namibians to acquire listed instruments in international companies for N$10

National News

Martin Endjala First National Bank of Namibia has opened up investment avenues for Namibians to participate in the global investment economy by acquiring listed instruments in international companies like Amazon, Apple, Hathaway, and Microsoft for as little as N$10. The listed financial instruments are any assets that hold capital and can be traded, and this consists of shares, cheques, bonds, futures and options contracts. FNB announced this last week during the launch of an Exchange Traded Notes (ETN) programme. Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) Namibia Heads of Markets Ian Erlank, highlighted the bank’s commitment to providing consumers with the necessary tools…

11 Mar

Venaani irked by delayed release of August 26 audit report

MainVenaani irked by delayed release of August 26 audit report

Stefanus Nashama The leader of the Official Opposition, the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM), McHenry Venaani, said he is deeply disappointed with the prolonged delay in the publication of the forensic audit report into the affairs of August 26 Holdings. Since 2018, Venaani has made numerous calls to have the state-owned company’s books audited, stressing that the company has failed to account for public funds since its inception. The calls include the office of the Ombudsman to render a legal opinion on the legality of the auditing of the company. August 26 is fully owned by the Ministry of Defence and…

11 Mar

Thirst Trap: Namibia’s Battle for Water Resilience

OpinionsThirst Trap: Namibia's Battle for Water Resilience

A few weeks ago, Namibia's Minister of Information Communications Technology, Hon. Emma Theofelus, announced that if no inflow of water is received in the dams, the existing water sources will only be sufficient to secure a regular water supply to central areas of Namibia until July 2025. This revelation underscores the pressing need for immediate action to address the country's water crisis. With water scarcity looming large, Namibia faces an uphill battle to ensure the well-being of its citizens and the sustainability of its environment. The Urgency of Long-Term Solutions The approval of funding for long-term water supply solutions from…