National News – Page 293 – Windhoek Observer

15 Mar

Namibia Surpasses Australia in Population Density, Shifting Global Rankings

National NewsNamibia Surpasses Australia in Population Density, Shifting Global Rankings

Nrupesh Soni This week, the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) unveiled census results revealing an unforeseen population count of 3,022,401, marking a pivotal moment as Namibia overtakes Australia in population density. This development repositions Namibia from the second to the third least densely populated country in the world, trailing behind Mongolia and Australia. The calculations conducted by the Facilit8 Namibia reveal that Namibia’s population density now stands at approximately 3.66 people per square kilometer. This figure slightly exceeds Australia’s density of about 3.46 people per square kilometer, highlighting the subtle yet significant demographic shifts occurring worldwide. These shifts hold extensive implications…

15 Mar

Kids selling wooden products in Windhoek streets disappear into thin air

National NewsKids selling wooden products in Windhoek streets disappear into thin air

Stefanus Nashama Minors that have been spotted selling wooden products around streets and shopping malls of the capital city for months are nowhere to be seen anymore. The kids who are popularly believed to hail from neighbouring Angola, were mostly seen selling knobkieries, cups, and spoons while also begging for money and food from members of the public and motorists at traffic intersections around the city and other towns in Namibia. Hordes of these children attracted public attention with some calling on the Namibian government to come to their aid by providing them with shelter and education. Windhoek-based lawyer, Kadhila…

15 Mar

New oil discovery is a huge success for Custos Energy and partners

National NewsNew oil discovery is a huge success for Custos Energy and partners

Niël Terblanché Custos Energy, in partnership with state-owned Namcor and Portuguese energy giant Galp Energia, announced their third light oil discovery in Namibia’s Orange Basin since the beginning of the year. This latest find is a significant development for the Namibian oil and gas sector and has once again accentuated the region’s growing reputation as one of the world’s most promising areas for hydrocarbon exploration and eventual extraction. According to Knowledge Katti, Chairman and CEO of Custos Energy, the new discovery is clear evidence of the potential of the oil block and is also a significant achievement for the partners…

15 Mar

Motion to approve electoral commissioners sparks debate in Parliament

National NewsMotion to approve electoral commissioners sparks debate in Parliament

Niël Terblanché A motion brought forward by Swapo Chief Whip in the National Assembly, Hamunyera Hambyuka, has ignited fervent debate within the Namibian Parliament. The motion, presented without notice, urges consideration and approval of Gerson Tjihenuna and Pius Iikwambi as commissioners of the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN), nominated by the President under Section 6 of the Electoral Act for a five-year term. At the heart of the motion is the aim to ensure fairness, impartiality, and transparency in election processes, crucial pillars of democratic governance. Hambyuka underscored the importance of approving the nominated members, citing their relevant experience and…

15 Mar

Government cautioned to plan strategically for population increase

National NewsGovernment cautioned to plan strategically for population increase

Martin Endjala Public Policy Analyst and International Relations Expert, Dr Marius Kudumo, says that the government needs to wake up to start formulating plans and policies that speak to the needs of the growing population to avoid future catastrophes in its developmental agendas. Kudumo said the announcement of the Census Preliminary Population report on Wednesday by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA), highlights a huge concern for the country and a call for immediate interventions to address resource allocations. “Surveys such as Census are conducted to give us data, and information so that it informs evident base policy-making and allocation of…

15 Mar

Young Namibians encouraged to take the lead in the upcoming elections

National NewsYoung Namibians encouraged to take the lead in the upcoming elections

Niël Terblanché With the Presidential and National Assembly elections fast approaching, the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) is urging young people to step forward and play a leading role in shaping the future of the nation. Chief Electoral and Referenda Officer, Petrus Shaama, stressed the importance of youth engagement in the electoral process, highlighting the Commission’s efforts to ensure a seamless and inclusive voting experience. Preparations for the elections have been underway for years, with the ECN leaving no stone unturned to address challenges such as low voter turnout, especially among young voters. Shaama assured the public that the Commission…

15 Mar

City police mum on repair cost of non-functioning CCTV cameras

National NewsCity police mum on repair cost of non-functioning CCTV cameras

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Windhoek City Police remains reticent about the repair costs of non-functioning Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras scattered throughout the city and the overall impact on public safety despite repeated inquiries. Upon request, the City Police revealed that out of the 131 CCTV cameras installed, six are temporarily out of service due to faulty network transmission devices. “The majority of the cameras are visible to the public at various intersections, and certain areas of the city, both the eastern and western area command divided by the B1 road. Most cameras that are non-functional are due to faulty networking…

15 Mar

Hardap Irrigation Scheme faces shutdown as Hardap Dam water level falls

National NewsHardap Irrigation Scheme faces shutdown as Hardap Dam water level falls

Niël Terblanché A looming water crisis threatens to devastate the Hardap Irrigation Scheme and surrounding communities as NamWater announces plans to discontinue water releases for irrigation if the dire situation persists. With the Hardap Dam’s water level plummeting to a critically low 12.8 percent due to poor rainfall in the catchment area, urgent measures are underway to address the impending crisis. Franklin Kavita, NamWater’s manager for the southern business unit, stressed that water for human consumption will take precedence over the needs of irrigation farmers. Despite provisions made to sustain potable water supplies until December amid dwindling inflows, Kavita warned…

14 Mar

BoN investigations find CBI Exchange Namibia in contravention of banking law

National News

Martin Endjala Bank of Namibia (BoN) has found that CBI Exchange Namibia (Pty) Ltd and Coenraad Baren Nolte Botha are in contravention of the Banking Institutions law, for collecting money from the public without being authorised to do so. This follows the banks’ investigations into the business activities of CBI Exchange Namibia (Pty) Ltd and Coenraad Barend Nolte Botha, who are suspected of conducting banking business by receiving, accepting, or taking deposits from the public, without being licensed. The Bank of Namibia said yesterday that at the time the assessment was conducted, it further revealed that the deposits were so…

14 Mar

Uutoni calls on Local Authorities to lead local economic development efforts

National News

Niël Terblanché The Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Erastus Uutoni, has urged local authorities across Namibia to embrace the role of champions in fostering local economic development. While delivering the keynote address at the official opening of the Association of Local Authorities in Namibia (ALAN) LED Indaba in Lüderitz, Uutoni stressed the need for bold vision, practical actions, and compassionate service in this endeavour. The theme of this year's Indaba, "Promoting Local Economic Development through Inclusive Strategic Planning, Innovation, and Diversification of Revenue Streams," underscores the critical importance of proactive measures at the local level to drive economic growth…