National News – Page 325 – Windhoek Observer

06 Mar

Uranium miner welcomes independent assessment of mining method

National News

Niël Terblanché Headspring Investments, a subsidiary of Russian-owned Rosatom Uranium One, has declared its openness to constructive dialogue and its efforts to engage with all stakeholders. The company also acknowledged the need for a comprehensive independent assessment of facilities, processes, and technologies when implementing geological exploration projects in Namibia. These measures also include facilitating educational visits to In Situ Leaching (ISL) mining operations abroad to demonstrate their environmentally friendly practices. Earlier this week the Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Land Reform, Calle Schlettwein, took a firm stand against uranium exploration activities by Headspring Investments. Schlettwein’s stance is set against…

06 Mar

Fuel prices in Namibia hold steady despite global uncertainties

National NewsFuel prices in Namibia hold steady despite global uncertainties

Niël Terblanché In the face of ongoing global market fluctuations, the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) of Namibia declared that fuel prices for both petrol and diesel will remain unchanged in March In a statement, the ministry said that despite experiencing a substantial under-recovery, calculated at 153 cents per litre for petrol and 114 cents and 106 cents per litre for 50ppm diesel and 10ppm diesel respectively, it opted to absorb these costs through the National Energy Fund (NEF). To manage the under-recoveries without adjusting pump prices, the Ministry has raised the National Energy Fund levy by 50 cents…

06 Mar

High Court grants ACC investigator leave to occupy top position after Prime Minister’s objection

National NewsHigh Court grants ACC investigator leave to occupy top position after Prime Minister’s objection

Hertta-Maria Amutenja High Court Judge Eileen Rakow, has granted Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) investigator Phelem Maseka Masule leave to execute a judgment delivered on 25 April 2023. This allows Masule to take up the position of Chief of Investigation and Prosecution with the ACC while awaiting an appeal by Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila and the ACC. The case revolves around the vacancy for the Chief: Investigations and Prosecutions Grade 3 position at the ACC, advertised in local newspapers in November 2019. The dispute arose when the initial recommendation of the interview panel, favouring Masule as the second-highest scorer, was overridden by…

06 Mar

Pastor accused of raping two girls and a woman

National NewsPastor accused of raping two girls and a woman

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Police in the Omusati Region have reported that a pastor, who also owns a church at the Okandi village, has allegedly raped two girls and a woman between 9 February and 24 February this year. The pastor allegedly raped a 24-year-old woman from Onheleiwa village on the 09 February, and the 19-year-old girl from Onghuwo village was raped on 16 February while the 17-year-old girl from Onepandaulo village was raped on the 24 February by the same pastor this year. Omusati Regional Commander, Commissioner Ishmael Basson said all the alleged rapes happened at another person’s house identified as…

06 Mar

Science education in Zambezi bolstered by innovative workshop

National NewsScience education in Zambezi bolstered by innovative workshop

Niël Terblanché In an inspiring initiative aimed at enhancing science education within the Zambezi Region, eighty teachers from various schools have embarked on a transformative five-day training workshop. This significant educational endeavour, now in its second consecutive year, is proudly hosted by the Zambezi Directorate of Education, focusing on vital subjects such as Chemistry, Physics, Biology, and Mathematics. Spearheaded by the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), this workshop is designed to furnish teachers with advanced skills and knowledge in their respective science subjects. The initiative is sponsored by Risk-Based Solutions, a leading environmental consultancy firm, which has committed…

06 Mar

Three decades of naval collaboration celebrated

National NewsThree decades of naval collaboration celebrated

Niël Terblanché Namibia and Brazil have marked the 30th anniversary of a naval cooperation agreement that has over the decades, strengthened relations and fostered mutual commitment to safeguarding ocean resources. The agreement hailed as Brazil’s most substantial naval cooperation in Africa, emphasizes the deep-seated collaboration aimed at ensuring sustainable maritime environments and regional stability. Brazil’s Ambassador to Namibia, Vivian SanMartin, reiterated the importance of the naval partnership. “Both countries share a commitment to preserve ocean resources for sustainable maritime environments,” she said. SanMartin pointed to the instrumental role of the agreement that strengthened maritime capabilities, and enhanced maritime safety that…

06 Mar

USAID grant significantly boosts Namibia’s Green Hydrogen initiative

Energy, National NewsUSAID grant significantly boosts Namibia’s Green Hydrogen initiative

Niël Terblanché The United States government, through its USAID Mobilizing Investment project, has announced a generous grant of N$19 million to Namibia Hydrogen Fund Managers (Pty) Limited. This critical financial injection is aimed at supporting the ambitious N$22 billion Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Namibia One Fund, marking a major milestone in Namibia’s journey towards sustainable development and green energy. The SDG Namibia One Fund unveiled at the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP-27 in November 2022, stands as Namibia’s premier finance vehicle dedicated to the burgeoning green hydrogen industry. It is set to play a critical role in managing a…

05 Mar

CoW calls for frugality amid growing water crisis

National News

Niël Terblanché Windhoek faces a formidable water challenge and residents are urged to adopt frugal water use amidst a dire drought that threatens the central region's water supply. With the city's population on the rise, the pressure on water resources has intensified, leading to a sharp increase in consumption noted between February 19 and 26. Lydia Amutenya, the Public Relations Officer at the City of Windhoek said the situation has prompted urgent measures from both the local and national government to ensure sustainability and secure the future water supply for the capital and surrounding areas. Amutenya stated that there is…

05 Mar

N$3.8 billion worth of uranium exported in January 2024

National News

Martin Endjala Uranium exports for January 2024 stood at N$3.8 billion, which is the highest value ever recorded Uranium prices it is expected to boom given its increased global demand. According to a Namibia Statistics Agency report, uranium was Namibia’s largest exported commodity in January 2024, accounting for 31.7 percent of the total export of goods, and was predominantly destined for China and Canada. Precious stones (diamonds) came second on the list accounting for 13.0 percent of the total exports of which 1.4 percent were re-exports, mainly destined for Botswana. Economist and Independent Bank Researcher Josef Sheehama, said the strong…

05 Mar

Etosha Fuel shortage resolved

National News

Martin Endjala A fuel shortage reported at Namibia’s premier tourist attraction, the Etosha National Park, has been resolved and both the service stations at Halali and Terrace Bay are back to full operational capacity Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR) Spokesperson Nelson Ashipala, has confirmed that the crisis occurred and said the state-owned company only became aware of the issue when customers took to social media platforms to complain about the unacceptable lack of fuel. “It is such a disappointment, such a farce. Get your house in order NWR and you are the main attraction in Namibia and you simply don’t care.…