National News – Page 104 – Windhoek Observer

18 Oct

Urban ministry spends over N$4 million on Havana electrification

ObserverNational NewsUrban ministry spends over N$4 million on Havana electrification

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Ministry of Urban and Rural Development has allocated N$4,234,111.78 to fund the electrification of Havana Extension 6 and 7 Phase II, which connected 105 households to the electricity grid. The primary aim of the electrification drive is to enhance the quality of life for the residents of Havana Extension 6 and 7 by providing them with access to essential electricity services. Joseph Uapingene, the Mayor of Windhoek, emphasised the city’s commitment to prioritising the electrification of informal settlements. “This is indeed a very important project, and I applaud the progress made thus far. The City of Windhoek…

17 Oct

Vast majority of fishing rights held by Namibians

ObserverNational NewsVast majority of fishing rights held by Namibians

Stefanus Nashama Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Derek Klazen, announced that significant changes have occurred in Namibia’s fishing sector, with 95 percent of fishing rights now held by Namibians. Klazen also highlighted the positive developments in the fishing industry, emphasizing its contributions to employment, value addition, fleet expansion, processing plants, investments, regional development, and corporate social responsibility for broader societal benefit. These remarks were made yesterday, with Klazen underscoring the Ministry’s commitment to reforming fish stock management and treating the fishery sector as a national asset. This includes sound management of fish stocks and promoting domestic employment and processing…

17 Oct

Policymakers are urged to develop business models that counter inequality.

ObserverNational NewsPolicymakers are urged to develop business models that counter inequality.

Martin Endjala Industrialisation and Trade Minister, Lucia Iipumbu, has challenged policymakers to develop business models and economic sectors that decrease inequalities and minimise societal vulnerabilities. According to Iipumbu, such actions will help promote equitable productive development capacity through smart business strategy and fostering of responsible businesses. She shared her idea during the recently held Business Forum of the third session of the Namibia-South Africa bi-national commission in Windhoek. The minister said there is a need for the business sector to unlock and harness its power as a force for good. “This need is driven by the fact that both our…

17 Oct

Omaheke Governor calls for reform in Government Garage System

ObserverNational NewsOmaheke Governor calls for reform in Government Garage System

Stefanus Nashama Omaheke Regional Governor, Pijoo Nganate, is calling for a reform of the government fleet system, citing its current strain on government garages, hindering their efficient operation. Nganate made these remarks while discussing the impact of the government moratorium, which has restricted the procurement of vehicles for government organizations, ministries, and agencies. This discussion took place during an engagement with the National Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure, and Housing. The committee’s purpose is to assess and investigate the impact of the moratorium on all government-related offices in the Omaheke region. Governor Nganate believes that government garages can perform better…

17 Oct

Geingob pays tribute to Ahtisaari as a friend and a peacemaker

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché President Hage Geingob on behalf of all Namibians expressed his profound sadness upon learning of the death of a former President of Finland, Martti Ahtisaari, who played a pivotal role in the country’s journey to independence and peace. Martti Ahtisaari, whose name is intricately woven into the history of Namibia as a true friend and an international peacemaker, was not just a distant diplomat but a person who understood the Namibian struggle for freedom and justice. In his tributary message, the President said that Ahtisaari’s connection with Namibia dates back to 1975 when he was appointed as a…

17 Oct

Namibian Navy marks 19 years of service with a grand parade

ObserverNational NewsNamibian Navy marks 19 years of service with a grand parade

Niëlu Terblanché The Namibian Navy celebrated its 19th anniversary with a well-executed parade at the Naval Base Captain (Navy) P N Sacharia in Walvis Bay. Navy Commander, Rear Admiral Paulus Amungulu, delivered the opening address, emphasizing the primary mission of the Namibian Navy: to defend the territorial integrity of Namibia by safeguarding its water bodies from illegal, unreported, and unregulated activities. Admiral Amungulu stressed the importance of strategic thinking and collective effort with the available resources to fulfil the Navy’s mandate effectively. He urged the Navy to devise innovative approaches to meet their objectives. Among the Navy’s key objectives is…

17 Oct

Health Mentorship Programme receives vital support from the U.S.A

ObserverNational NewsHealth Mentorship Programme receives vital support from the U.S.A

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s healthcare system received crucial support in the form of 16 new vehicles that were generously donated by the Government of the United States of America. The Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr Kalumbi Shangula, officially took ownership of the new vehicles that will be added to the fleet already supporting the Mentorship Programme. During the ceremony, Dr. Shangula expressed his gratitude and stressed the importance of this donation in enhancing the quality of healthcare through the mentorship programme. He also pointed to the critical role played by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-Namibia and…

16 Oct

Active SIM cards dropped six percent in Q2

ObserverNational News

Chamwe Kaira Active Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards experienced a six percent decline in the second quarter. The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) attributed this decrease primarily to a reduction in Prepaid SIM card users. One potential factor contributing to this drop is the introduction of new Aweh and Jiva packages, which offer extended validity periods and may reduce the need for customers to purchase multiple SIM cards for different purposes. However, there was a seven percent increase in mobile broadband usage, with 74 percent of SIM cards accessing the internet, resulting in a nine percent increase from the…

16 Oct

EFF alleges Amushelelo’s arrest was aimed at muting dissent

ObserverNational NewsEFF alleges Amushelelo’s arrest was aimed at muting dissent

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The South African political party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), led by Julius Malema, has claimed that the arrest of Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) member Michael Amushelelo, was a clear attempt to silence him, setting an example to radical voices calling for revolutionary change in Namibia. EFF National Spokesperson Sinawo Thambo, stated that the EFF has consistently maintained that Amushelelo’s arrest and detention were politically motivated. “The EFF has consistently maintained that Amushelelo’s arrest and detention were politically motivated, as stated in our statement of support from 28 September 2023. Amushelelo is a vocal critic of the…

16 Oct

Ministry of Fisheries spends millions to combat illegal fishing

ObserverNational NewsThe Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources disclosed an expenditure of over N$70 million in the fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing activities within the country’s territory last year.

Stefanus Nashama The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources disclosed an expenditure of over N$70 million in the fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing activities within the country’s territory last year. According to the Ministry, the expenditure does not encompass the salaries of fisheries inspectors and all involved personnel. Furthermore, the Ministry has revealed that it allocates over N$130,000 per day for each patrol vessel involved in sea operations. These revelations come in response to queries raised by the Leader of the Landless People’s Movement (LPM), Bernadus Swartbooi, regarding alleged illegal fishing activities along the northern borders. Swartbooi…