Main – Page 5 – Windhoek Observer

27 Mar

Parliament pays over N$600 000 to telecom company for 13 years despite an expired contract

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Hertta-Maria Amutenja The National Assembly's (NA) financial records have revealed the continuous payments to Dynamic Mobile Solution, a telecommunication company, for services rendered over a staggering 13-year period despite the expiration of their contract. According to an audited financial report of NA, for the financial year ended 31 March 2023, conducted by Auditor–General, Junias Kanjeke, unauthorised payments amounting to N$618 654.11 for the financial year under review. The report shows that the contract was initially signed in 2009 to provide short message services (SMS) and maintain an agreement with the mobile service provider. However, the contract expired on 30 April…

27 Mar

Meatco’s abattoirs impacted by a decline in cattle

ObserverMainMeatco’s abattoirs impacted by a decline in cattle

Martin Endjala As a result of the raging drought in most regions in Namibia, abattoirs of the Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) are currently experiencing a decline in the supply of cattle for processing. The situation caused Meatco to slaughter only about 36,000 cattle over the past year. This is a significant drop from its normal slaughter capacity of 120,000 per year. This was revealed by Meatco’s Executive Marketing Sales, Logistics and Compliance Officer, Adrianatus Maseke during a Meatco business connect engagement with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that was held in Windhoek. Maseke said that the decline in cattle…

26 Mar

Special Economic Zone Bill will shape Namibia’s economic landscape

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Martin Endjala The Minister of Industrialisation and Trade, Lucia Iipumbu, said that the drafted Special Economic Zone Bill (SEZ), has the potential to shape the economic landscape of the country and pave the way for significant growth and development. She said the concept of Special Economic Zones has proven to be a catalyst for economic transformation in various parts of the world. She added that by creating designated areas with favourable business conditions and incentives, the government aims to attract both domestic and foreign investments, foster innovation, and generate employment opportunities. “Today, we embark on a journey to tailor this…

25 Mar

Police chief calls for alliance to tackle organised crimes

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Martin Endjala The Inspector General of the Namibian Police, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, called on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to forge strong alliances to combat Transnational Organised Crime in the region. He cautioned that organised crime syndicates have gone global and are now spawning their criminal activities across various nations, thereby collapsing borders in the process. Shikongo said this at the official opening of the National Stakeholders Consultative Meeting to Support the Development of Namibia's Strategy on Combating Transnational Organised Crime (TOC) in Windhoek yesterday. The meeting aims to operationalise the implementation of the SADC Integrated Strategy and…

25 Mar

CRAN donates computer equipment to MEAC

ObserverMainCRAN donates computer equipment to MEAC

Martin Endjala The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has reinforced its commitment to promoting universal access to information and digital services by donating seven computers valued at N$200,000 to the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture (MEAC). The CRAN donation of information and digital service will be valid for 24 months. These resources will benefit two identified libraries in the Khomas Region, namely the National Training Authority (NTA) library in Khomasdal and the library at the Councillor’s Office in Khomasdal North. According to CRAN’s Chief Executive Officer Emilia Nghikembua, the initiative underscores CRAN's dedication to fostering digital inclusion and…

24 Mar

Namdeb employees forced to sleep at bus stop

ObserverMain, National News

Martin Endjala Namdeb workers at Oranjemund opted to sleep at a bus stop due to exorbitant accommodation fees the company is charging them The high prices charged for accommodation left the workers with no choice but to vacate their allocated homes. Landless People’s Movement councillor, Gaume Stephanus of the Rosh Pinah constituency revealed the harsh conditions after the workers briefed him on the situation last week. Stephanus described the situation as unfair and unjust treatment towards workers at the Daberas Mine who are forced to pay high prices to use accommodation facilities. "The workers are abandoned at the bus stop…

22 Mar

USA reaffirms commitment to Namibia’s prosperity

ObserverMainUSA reaffirms commitment to Namibia's prosperity

Niël Terblanché Antony Blinken, the United States Secretary of State, has reaffirmed the United States of America's unwavering commitment to supporting Namibia. Blinken's message of solidarity came as Namibia celebrated its 34th year of independence on March 21, highlighting a relationship built on democratic values, human rights, and good governance. The American Secretary of State’s reaffirmation aligns with the United States' broader engagement with Namibia, characterized by a shared commitment to improving the well-being of Namibian people and fostering economic growth. The US has been an essential partner in Namibia's journey since its independence in 1990, contributing significantly to sectors…

21 Mar

President Mbumba pledges prosperity for all Namibians

ObserverMainPresident Mbumba pledges prosperity for all Namibians

Niël Terblanché President Nangolo Mbumba paid homage to the formidable spirit and sacrifices of the Swapo leadership and members of the People’s Liberation Army of Namibia (PLAN), attributing the nation's freedom, peace, stability, and unity to their valiant and unwavering efforts. President Mbumba, during his Independence Day address in Katima Mulilo, reflected on the significance of independence and said it is the cornerstone of dignity and humanity. He also paid homage to the efforts of heroes from the Zambezi Region and beyond in securing Namibia's liberation on March 21, 1990. The President, however, said that this year's celebrations are tinged…

20 Mar

RA reflects on its road network journey

ObserverMainRA reflects on its road network journey worth N$129 billion

Martin Endjala As Namibia celebrates its 34th Independence, the Roads Authority (RA) in keeping with its mandate of building road networks for Namibia, is celebrating a journey that started in the year 2000. The journey saw RA build a state-of-the-art national road network that is estimated to be worth N$129 billion. Namibia’s national road network has grown by approximately 15 percent or 6,220 kilometres over 23 years. Namibia’s road network currently stands at a total length of 49 202,9 kilometres, of which 8,037 kilometres is bitumen standard, 26,055 kilometres is gravel standard, 13,755 kilometres earth roads and 330 kilometres of…

19 Mar

20 cops charged for drug-related crimes, 10 for murder cases

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Hertta-Maria Amutenja A total of 20 members of the Namibian Police Force have been charged with drug-related crimes while 10 others have been charged with murder over the last three years. This is according to Namibian Police Inspector General, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, who disclosed that over the past three years, 20 cases involving drug-related offences have been lodged against members of the Namibian Police Force. Three of those police officers have been found guilty by the courts and convicted, while a staggering number of 17 cases remain pending on court dockets nationwide. Shikongo emphasised the seriousness with which such…