National News – Page 2 – Windhoek Observer

21 Sep

Judge Moses Chinhengo appointed to preside over Fishrot trial

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché Namibia's dedication to fairness and impartiality in its legal proceedings saw to it that Justice Moses Chinhengo was inaugurated as Acting Judge of the High Court of Namibia this week. His specific mandate is to preside over the trial of the state vs. Ricardo Gustavo and 27 others, all embroiled in the notorious FishRot corruption scandal. President Hage Geingob, acting on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission, appointed Chinhengo to serve until December 2023. Judge-President Petrus Damaseb officiated the swearing-in, announcing Judge Chinhengo's primary assignment shortly after the ceremony. This appointment follows the earlier swearing-in of acting…

21 Sep

N$26 million allocated for SASSCAL headquarters construction

ObserverNational News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Namibia has earmarked N$26 million for the construction of the headquarters for the Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL) in Windhoek. The announcement came from Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, Anna Shiwedha, during the third Ordinary Meeting of the SASSCAL Council of Ministers in Luanda, Angola. Although the project has encountered challenges that have delayed progress, Shiwedha confirmed that construction is slated to begin in the first quarter of 2024. She emphasized that building the SASSCAL headquarters is a top priority for the member states involved, which include…

21 Sep

President asks for the mobilisation of US$30 billion for water investment by 2030

ObserverNational News

Martin Enjala President Hage Geingob has urged the International High-Level Panel on Water Investments for Africa to mobilise US$30 billion annually for water investments by 2030. Speaking at the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Geingob highlighted that Namibia recently released a report titled “Africa’s Rising Investment Tide: How to Mobilise US$30 Billion Annually to Achieve Water Security and Sustainable Sanitation in Africa.” The Namibian leader emphasized that the report provides clear strategies for marshalling the resources needed to meet Africa’s goals on water security and sustainable sanitation. “As leaders, we must bridge the water…

21 Sep

Capricorn renews its commitment to children impacted by HIV/AIDS

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché In a renewed commitment to vulnerable children affected by HIV/AIDS, the Capricorn Foundation has pledged an additional N$300,000 to Christ’s Hope International, a Namibian non-profit. Recent findings indicate a concerning 43 percent of Namibians experience multidimensional poverty. A staggering one in five children in the country are stunted while constantly struggling with acute malnutrition. Christ’s Hope International, founded in 2003 in Okahandja, has since its inception been a beacon of hope for vulnerable children. With a steadfast mission to break the poverty cycle, the organisation currently operates in Keetmanshoop and Oshikuku, supporting 290 children and 100 families. The…

20 Sep

Criticism mounts against Prime Minister’s handling of drought support programme

ObserverNational NewsCriticism mounts against Prime Minister’s handling of drought support programme

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Popular Democratic Movement Member of Parliament Diederik Vries has voiced concerns regarding the administration of the Livestock Support Programme and the handling of crucial aid for drought-stricken farmers. He wants Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila to explain to the public, specifically farmers how beneficiaries are selected. He said the Disaster Risk Fund, overseen by the Office of the Prime Minister, had pledged to commence drought relief measures by 1 July 2023. However, nothing substantive has happened in that regard, raising concerns among many farmers, particularly in the drought-hit regions of Omaheke, Kunene, Hardap, //Kharas, and parts of Erongo. He…

20 Sep

Namibians unable to honour monthly bills

ObserverNational NewsNamibians unable to honour monthly bills, TransUnion Consumer Pulse Study

Martin Endjala About 45 percent of Namibians are struggling or unable to pay their monthly bills and loans in full as they continue to experience financial challenges due to rising inflation rates and job losses. This is according to the latest TransUnion Consumer Pulse Study for the third quarter (Q3) released this week. This shows that 20 percent of consumers had their income increased in the last three months and close to 36 percent reported a salary decrease. As a result, 56 percent of consumers have cut back on their discretionary spendings such as dining out, travel and entertainment over…

20 Sep

PDM questions N$255 million classroom tender

ObserverNational NewsPDM questions N$255 million classroom tender

Stefanus Nashama Popular Democratic Movement Member of Parliament, Jennifer Van Den Heever, wants the Minister of Education, Arts and Culture, Anna Nghipondoka, to explain why August 26 was awarded a N$255 million tender to build classrooms while private construction companies are collapsing due to a lack of available contracts. While posting her questions to the minister in Parliament yesterday, Van Den Heever questioned why a state-owned company is competing with private companies who are desperate for construction tenders to survive. Van Den Heever also tasked Nghipondoka to provide Parliament with a competitive analysis between August 26 and private companies in…

20 Sep

Law Enforcement Rallies to Ensure Safety During Census

ObserverNational NewsLaw Enforcement Rallies to Ensure Safety During Census

Stefanus Nashama The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) has partnered with the Namibian Police Force and the Windhoek City Police to guarantee the safety and security of enumerators during the 2023 Population and Housing Census fieldwork. During a joint press conference held in Windhoek with the Namibian Police Force, Statistician-General, Alex Shimuafeni stated that the collaboration has been established with the police to ensure that the census is not only successful but also safe for both enumerators and respondents. “These arrangements aim to make certain the counting process is seamless and free of any criminal incidents,” Shimuafeni said. He added that…

20 Sep

Breaches of customs regulations lead to forfeiture of vehicles

ObserverNational NewsBreaches of customs regulations lead to forfeiture of vehicles, Trans-Kalahari Border Post

Niël Terblanché The Gobabis Magistrates Court ruled for the forfeiture of two vehicles following recent violations of the Customs and Excise Act, 1998 (Act No. 20 of 1998). One of the drivers entered the country via the Trans-Kalahari Border Post, completely disregarding the stipulated customs declaration as detailed in section 14(1)(a) of the Act. The Namibian Police took swift action, resulting in a pursuit that culminated in the arrest of the driver in Gobabis. The VW Golf 6 was confiscated, and during the court proceedings, the driver was fined N$8 000 or the alternative of a two-year prison term. Last…

20 Sep

Gobabis Municipality accused of neglecting critical electrical network

ObserverNational NewsFrederick Ueitele, Gobabis Municipality accused of neglecting critical electrical network

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Gobabis Municipality is facing allegations of negligence and mismanagement regarding the maintenance and rehabilitation of its ageing electrical network after a mother and daughter barely survived electrocution. Community members and an internal source at the municipality have expressed concerns about the potential hazards posed by the deteriorating electricity network infrastructure of the town. A recent incident of a mother and daughter getting electrocuted has heightened concerns within the community. According to a source who preferred anonymity, a consultant was engaged to address pressing issues within the electrical network and made considerable efforts to expedite crucial processes such…