National News – Page 144 – Windhoek Observer

29 Apr

Snake kills toddler near Omatjete

National News

Niël Terblanché A three-year-old boy, Lihoneni Mingeli, died early Monday morning after being bitten by a snake at the Ovitapita farm near Omatjete. The incident happened around 04:00, according to Inspector Judith Shomongula, spokesperson for the Namibian Police in the Erongo Region. She said the child's mother was sleeping on a bed with her two children, while a visitor slept on the floor in the same room. "The visitor felt something moving on her blanket. She woke up, lit a torch and saw the snake," Shomongula said. The visitor tried to alert the mother, but the snake had already disappeared.…

29 Apr

Getaway car, N$55 000 found in Namcor fuel station robbery

National News

Niël Terblanché Police have recovered N$55 000 and a getaway vehicle used in an armed robbery at the Namcor Soweto Service Station in Katutura. According to Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, one of the suspects was arrested after being shot in the leg during a confrontation with city police officers. Four other suspects fled and remain at large, with a manhunt underway. The robbery occurred around 09h00 on Monday when five armed individuals arrived in a black sedan with a fake number plate. They stormed both the fuel station and the adjacent Pick n Pay Express store. A 39-year-old employee was…

28 Apr

Funding secured for Okangwati Extension 3 township

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Kunene Regional Council has secured funding for the establishment of Okangwati Extension 3 under the national development budget. This move sets plans in motion to formalise and expand the settlement’s residential and business areas. Chief Regional Officer, George Kamseb, said the township project aligns with the priorities of the Sixth National Development Plan and the National Housing Policy of 2023, which promote sustainable human settlements. "Funding has been secured under the Development Budget for the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework for the years 2025/26 to 2027/28," Kamseb said. The council will oversee needs and feasibility assessments, environmental impact studies,…

28 Apr

Zambezi region most supportive of marijuana use

Featured, National News

Ester Mbathera People from the Zambezi region believe marijuana use can sometimes or always be justified. This makes them the most supportive group in the country, according to the Afrobarometer Survey 2024 conducted by Cirrus Survey Warehouse Namibia. The survey shows that approval for adult cannabis use varies across regions, age groups, education levels, and ethnic backgrounds. Nationally, the nation remains divided on the issue. The public was asked whether adults using marijuana can "always be justified," "sometimes be justified," or "never be justified." Among ethnic groups, people who wanted to be identified as Caprivians scored 82%, followed by Nama…

28 Apr

Outapi water treatment plant expansion is progressing well

National News

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) has announced steady progress on the N$141.8 million expansion and upgrade of the Outapi Water Treatment Plant (WTP). The project aims to meet the increasing water needs of Outapi Town and surrounding communities in the Omusati Region. NamWater’s spokesperson, Lot Ndamanomhata, said in a statement on Monday that work has already started and is moving forward. “We are pleased to share that progress is moving steadily and visible work is taking shape,” he said. He added that the project was launched to meet the growing water needs of the region. The existing plant,…

28 Apr

Construction of an inclusive resource school in Kamanjab set to begin

National News

Niël Terblanché Construction of a special school for differently abled children in Kamanjab will soon begin, following a groundbreaking ceremony on Saturday. Speaking at the event on behalf of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare described the Kunene Region Resource School project as a milestone in Namibia’s education infrastructure. He said the government has made access to inclusive, quality education a priority, with a commitment to ensure that no child is left behind, regardless of ability, location, or circumstance. The school will cater specifically to learners with hearing, visual, and intellectual impairments. It will include adapted classrooms, hostel blocks,…

28 Apr

Namibia set to roll out digital IDs

National News

Niël Terblanché Namibia is preparing to transition to a digital identity system aimed at improving service delivery, unlocking opportunities, and tackling corruption. Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security Lucia Iipumbu addressed the media at the Ministry’s headquarters in Windhoek on Monday. She praised the ministry and its partners for their efforts in planning the transition to Digital Legal Identity. She called the shift a timely and necessary move for a world that is becoming increasingly digital. “Let us become champions of Digital Legal Identity in Africa, so others can learn from us,” she said. Iipumbu urged all stakeholders…

28 Apr

Researchers propose turning locusts into animal feed

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Farmers in the northern parts of the country facing outbreaks of destructive insects like locusts and armoured crickets could benefit by using these insects as animal feed. Hiskia Asino, a doctorate candidate in aquaculture and nutrition at the University of Namibia (Unam), proposed turning pests such as locusts, armyworms, and armoured crickets into protein-rich feed for poultry, pigs, and fish. His idea aims to reduce crop damage and lower feed costs. "Instead of viewing these pests only as a threat, we should begin to see them as a resource. Locusts, for example, are high in protein and can…

27 Apr

UNAM, NUST await formal details on free tertiary education rollout

National News

Ester Mbathera The University of Namibia (UNAM) says it has not yet received formal, detailed communication on how the government's new subsidy for tertiary education will be implemented. This follows President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s announcement during her State of the Nation Address last week that tertiary education at public institutions will be fully subsidised from the 2026 academic year. UNAM’s spokesperson, Simon Namesho, said the university welcomes the announcement as a positive and progressive step for the future of higher education. “As a key stakeholder in the national education system, UNAM remains available for engagement at the appropriate policy levels to…

27 Apr

Okahandja community demands action amid murder spree

National News

Allexer Namundjembo “Okahandja, once known as Namibia’s Garden Town, has now become a place where people live in fear,” said Reinold #Goseb, capturing the growing anxiety of residents after a spate of brutal murders targeting young girls. Community members are calling for urgent action: military patrols, curfews, and enhanced school security. One resident, Richwell Tjitenda, whose children attend school in Okahandja, said he now fears every school pickup. “When you don’t find your child at school, your first thought is that they’ve become a victim,” Tjitenda said. Tjitenda also pointed to drug abuse as a contributing factor and urged the…