National News – Page 109

03 Oct

The future shines bright for Namibia’s maritime sector

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Niël Terblanché Namibia’s growing significance in global maritime logistics and its potential to become a leading player in the energy sector was strengthened during the official opening of Walvis Bay Maritime Week on Thursday. Hosted at the Port of Walvis Bay, the event brought together leaders from various industries and sectors, including John Mutorwa, deputy prime minister and minister of works and transport. Mutorwa reiterated that transportation is the backbone of the country’s economy. “Namibia’s national maritime hub is a symbol of progress and resilience, one that links the nation to international trade routes and regional markets,” he said. Mutorwa…

03 Oct

Namibia set to host disaster risk reduction conference

info_e12wt4csNational News9th African Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (AfRP-9)

Niël Terblanché Governments, regional, and civil society organizations from across Africa are set to gather in Windhoek for the 9th African Regional Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (AfRP-9) and the 8th High-Level Meeting on Disaster Risk Reduction. According to a statement released by the United Nations the conference set down for 22 to 24 October, comes at a time when Africa faces escalating natural disasters, including persistent droughts, extreme flooding, and intensifying cyclones. Under the theme "The Resilient Africa We Want," the forum aims to chart a new course for the continent, tackling these shared challenges head-on by focusing on…

03 Oct

Success of resilience-building agriculture projects reviewed

info_e12wt4csNational NewsFood and Agriculture Organisation

Niël Terblanché While Namibia is still in the grip of a severe drought, the success rate of small-scale farming projects to build resilience and improve food security for vulnerable communities is under evaluation. The implementation of these projects were done in collaboration with donors which demonstrates the vital role of international partnerships in achieving sustainable agricultural development in rural areas. According to a statement released by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), these projects, funded by the Government of Japan, aim to strengthen the livelihoods of vulnerable communities affected by climate change, particularly drought. In this…

03 Oct

MVA Fund opens a service centre at Katima Mulilo

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Stefanus Nashama The Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA) inaugurated a new service centre in Katima Mulilo. The new facility was constructed at a cost of approximately N$11 million. On Thursday, Jane Iikela, a senior corporate communications practitioner at the MVA, explained that the service centre offers claims queries, submissions, and hospital case management visits to injured patients in the hospital. The MVA also operates the Divundu Emergency Medical Response Base, located between Rundu and Katima Mulilo, which provides emergency medical response services between the two towns. The centre was inaugurated last week by deputy prime minister and minister of works…

03 Oct

Failing to provide water is a violation of rights to Ndama JP School learners – Venaani

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Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) president, McHenry Venaani said the government's inability to provide basic water services is a severe violation of the rights of the learners at Ndama Junior Primary School and an impediment to their education. The opposition leader said this on Thursday while reacting to reports that a total of 1 300 learners and 37 staff members have been sent home due to the water crisis for the past four weeks. The school is located in Kavango East, and it is one of four schools in the region that have been affected by the lack…

02 Oct

Samherji subsidiary rejects Heinaste fishing crew’s wage claims

info_e12wt4csNational NewsArcticNam Fishing, Icelandic fishing company, MV Heinaste

Ester Mbathera The directors of the subsidiaries of the Icelandic fishing company Samherji in Namibia have rejected demands from former crew members of the MV Heinaste for unpaid wages and severance packages. This is according to the latest annual report from Samherji Ltd., the parent company in Iceland. “The directors of the subsidiary are of the opinion that these claims have no basis and consider that a final settlement was made with the affected parties in 2018 and early 2019,” reads the report. However, in 2019, 23 former fishermen, who worked on the Heinaste horse mackerel freezer vessel took Samherji’s…

02 Oct

IPC calls for transparency in November elections

info_e12wt4csNational NewsImmanuel Nashinge

Stefanus Nashama The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has urged the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) to ensure complete transparency in the upcoming presidential and national assembly elections. In a statement on Wednesday, IPC spokesperson, Immanuel Nashinge emphasised the need for independent local and international observers to oversee the process, free from conflicts of interest. “We demand that the ECN ensure complete transparency in all electoral preparations and processes. This includes allowing access to independent local and international observers with no conflicts of interest. We call on the Namibian government and Swapo to affirm their commitment to national sovereignty by…

02 Oct

MJA deeply concerned about safety at courts

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Niël Terblanché The Magistrates and Judges Association of Namibia (MJA) expressed deep concern over an arson attack on the Gobabis Magistrate Court on 1 October 2024 noting that it exposes a troubling gap in the security of court premises across Namibia. The association successfully concluded its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 25 September 2024 in Swakopmund, announcing the appointment of a new Executive Committee tasked with advancing the association’s mission. One of the primary concerns raised during the AGM was the critical issue of judicial safety, which has come to the fore after a concerning arson attack at the Gobabis…

02 Oct

Omaruru implements water restrictions due to power outages and pipe burst

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Martin Endjala The Omaruru Municipality has implemented a three-day restriction on the use of water due to power outages and a burst supply pipeline. According to the notice seen by the Windhoek Observer, these disruptions have prevented reservoirs from meeting the town's water demand. “The restrictions will be implemented from 2 to 4 October from 09h00 to 17h00. The purpose for this is to allow the reservoirs to be refilled to full capacity,” read the notice. The municipality urged all stakeholders to use water wisely until the reservoirs are refilled to full capacity. The town's chief executive officer, Sindongo Valentinus,…

02 Oct

Agriculture ministry responds to Gam farmers’ pleas

info_e12wt4csNational NewsGam settlement

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Farmers in the Gam settlement in the Otjozondjupa region are grappling with huge challenges in accessing drought relief subsidies, with some forced to travel over 400 kilometres to make bank deposits required for receiving animal feed. This has placed a severe financial strain on the farming community, prompting frustration and calls for change. The Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR) has acknowledged these concerns. The ministry’s spokesperson, Jona Musheko, said this issue arises from the limited availability of revenue collection points at the ministry's offices near these farming communities. “The ministry acknowledges the challenges that some…