Blog – Page 631 – Windhoek Observer

06 Feb

Former deputy minister Nawatiseb leaves Swapo to join LPM

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Former Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Engel Nawatiseb, who was also a member of Swapo has officially joined the Landless People's Movement (LPM). This decision follows his call, nearly two years ago, for a new generation of leadership within the ruling Swapo party. Nawatiseb emphasised the importance of youthful, capable leaders during his earlier statement. Nawatiseb, a seasoned political figure who served as Deputy Minister, expressed his confidence in LPM's potential to bring about robust and unique change in Namibia. “The Former Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology has expressed that there is an importance…

06 Feb

Namibia’s trade balance stands at a deficit of N$299 million

National News

Martin Endjala During December 2023, the country’s trade balance stood at a deficit of N$299 million, which is an improvement compared to N$4 billion and N$1.4 billion recorded in November 2023 and December 2022, respectively. This was revealed yesterday by Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) Statistician-General and Chief Executive Officer Alex Shimuafeni. According to the report, Namibia’s trade composition showed that Botswana emerged as Namibia’s largest market for exports, while South Africa maintained its position as the country’s main supplier. The composition of the export basket for December 2023 mainly comprised minerals such as Precious stones (diamonds), Non-monetary gold, and Uranium.…

06 Feb

Trans-Kalahari Railway will boost regional trade and connectivity

National News

Niël Terblanché In a decisive effort to bolster and advance regional trade and connectivity, Namibia and Botswana are moving closer to the realization of the Trans-Kalahari Railway project. This ambitious initiative aims to create a direct rail link between the Port of Walvis Bay and Botswana, extending further to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. The project was discussed during a recent Joint Ministerial Committee Meeting in Swakopmund. The meeting was attended by Namibia's Minister of Works and Transport, John Mutorwa, and his counterpart from Botswana, Eric Molale. The railway line, envisioned to stretch approximately 1,500 kilometres, is designed…

06 Feb

Unplanned electricity outages cost an estimated N$1 billion

National News

Martin Endjala A recent study conducted by the Electricity Control Board (ECB) has shed light on the staggering cost of unplanned electricity outages in Namibia. The research reveals that these disruptions can cost the economy up to N$1 billion annually during weekdays, translating to an estimated N$41.4 million per hour. Over weekends, the impact slightly lessens to N$126 million, or N$5.26 million per weekend hour. The study, aimed at understanding the economic impact of these outages, employs the Cost of Unserved Energy (COUE) metric to quantify the financial toll on both consumers and the broader economy. According to ECB Chief…

06 Feb

Futsal Namibia Faces Uphill Battle After Home Defeat in CAF AFCON Futsal Qualifiers

Sports

Windhoek, Namibia - In a thrilling encounter at the Windhoek Show Sport Plaza, Futsal Namibia suffered a 5-2 defeat in their campaign for the CAF AFCON Futsal Qualifiers against a strategically superior Tanzanian team.The Tanzanian side showcased impeccable strategic planning right from the start, opening the scoring in the third minute and adding one more goals within the first seven minutes. The Namibian team, although brimming with talent, struggled to capitalize on their scoring opportunities, leading to a challenging first half.The turning point came when the Tanzanian goalkeeper, sensing the unsettlement among the Namibian players, took a bold move to…

06 Feb

Namibia Paralympic Committee Strengthens Governance with Workshop at Kaku Guest House

SportsNamibia Paralympic Committee Strengthens Governance with Workshop at Kaku Guest House

Otjiwarongo, Namibia - The Namibia Paralympic Committee (NNPC) recently took a significant step towards enhancing its governance by organizing a workshop for the current board at the Kaku Guest House in Otjiwarongo. Facilitated by Sports Consultant Mathew Haikali and Isack Hamata, the workshop focused on instilling good governance practices within the sports organization.The initiative, spearheaded by the NNPC President, aimed at capacity building for existing board members and implementing mechanisms to ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization. The workshop provided a platform for the board to discuss and adopt international standards in sports governance.“This workshop comes at a very…

06 Feb

Proposed salmon farming project moves forward

Observer MoneyProposed salmon farming project moves forward

Niël Terblanché In a development that could significantly reshape the aquaculture landscape of southern Namibia, Oshindjalala Fishing (Pty) Ltd has announced plans to establish an offshore Atlantic Salmon Fish Farm near the harbour town of Lüderitz. The company is currently in the process of applying for an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) required to eventually realise the project. The ECC application is evidence of the company’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship. The proposed venture aims to introduce Atlantic salmon farming to Namibian waters through a two-step production process. Initially, salmon will be grown to a weight of approximately one…

06 Feb

Chinese construction company challenges Namibian procurement decision

Observer MoneyChinese construction company challenges Namibian procurement decision

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In a legal showdown, Palladium Civil Engineering (Pty) Ltd and Zhong Mei Engineering Group (Pty) Ltd, have lodged an urgent court application to challenge the decision by the Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) to disqualify their bids. The dispute revolves around the procurement process for the construction of the Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (Namfisa) Head Office, a project with a total estimated value of N$236 824 319.45. Sole shareholder and director of Palladium Civil Engineering, Immanuel Uugwanga, in the founding affidavit, contends that the CPBN, through its chairperson and the review panel, acted unfairly and unreasonably…

06 Feb

Mbumba must address key legislation when National Assembly resumes

National NewsMbumba must address key legislation when National Assembly resumes

Martin Endjala Following the recent passing of President Hage Geingob, Namibia’s newly inaugurated President Nangolo Mbumba, is set to address critical pending legislation as the National Assembly resumes later today. This comes amid heightened anticipation for the Ninth Session of the Seventh Parliament, according to Parliament member John Likando. Likando highlighted President Mbumba’s extensive legislative background across various government roles before his tenure as Vice President, expressing confidence in Mbumba’s familiarity with the bills awaiting his approval. “Given his comprehensive understanding of the legislative process, we are optimistic about his approach to the gender-based violence bill introduced last year, among…

06 Feb

President Geingob transcended party politics or tribal affiliations – Kauandenge

National NewsPresident Geingob transcended party politics or tribal affiliations – Kauandenge

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The National Unity Democratic Organisation’s (NUDO) Secretary General, Joseph Kauandenge has described former President Hage Geingob, as an astute politician, a strong man who tried to transcend beyond party politics or tribal affiliations aiming to be a Namibian first before anything else. He added that the late President’s mantra of “One Namibian House” and “Harambee” still rang true until his last breath. Kauandenge said this yesterday while conveying his condolences to the Geingob family and the entire Namibian nation. He said NUDO credits the late President for his foresightedness and resolve to take on the mighty German Government,…