National News – Page 330 – Windhoek Observer

23 Jan

Uranium One withdraws litigation against MAWLR over drilling permits

National News, Observer Money

Martin Endjala The Uranium One Group has retracted its High Court application in Namibia, initially filed to contest the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, Land, and Reform's refusal to issue a drilling permit for exploration in the Omaheke Region. The company's move to withdraw follows its earlier 2023 filing for judicial review against the Ministry's decision to deny exploration drilling permits. Riaan Van Rooyen, the Group’s Communications Manager, confirmed the withdrawal yesterday. He explained that the decision came after the implementation of the Water Resources Management Act, Act 11 of 2013 (‘the Act’), by the Minister of Agriculture, Water, and Land…

23 Jan

Chinese Ambassador calls for compliance with local laws

National NewsChinese Ambassador calls for compliance with local laws

Martin Endjala Zhao Weiping, the Chinese Ambassador to Namibia, has urged Chinese nationals living in Namibia to adhere to local laws, regulations, and cultural norms. Weiping made this statement during the 2024 Chinese Spring Festival Gala hosted by the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Namibia (CGCCIN) last week in Windhoek. The Ambassador stressed that Chinese nationals in Namibia play a crucial role as a bridge of friendship between China and Namibia and serve as ambassadors of China in Namibia. However, there have been concerns lately regarding Chinese nationals allegedly violating local laws. He expressed the hope that…

23 Jan

SAUMA raises deep concern over the threat to Stampriet Artesian Basin

National NewsSAUMA raises deep concern over the threat to Stampriet Artesian Basin

Niël terblanché The Stampriet Aquifer Uranium Mining Association (SAUMA) Management Committee has penned an urgent open letter addressed to key stakeholders, including Members of Cabinet, Members of Parliament, Standing Committees, Regional Governors, Councilors, Traditional Authorities, and the Namibian public. SAUMA expressed deep concerns regarding the proposed In Situ Leach Mining of Uranium in the Stampriet Artesian Basin, situated in southeastern Namibia. At the heart of SAUMA’s concerns is the potential environmental and public health impact of uranium mining in an area that relies solely on drinkable groundwater for survival. The Stampriet Artesian Basin, nestled beneath the Kalahari dunes of southeastern…

23 Jan

Namibian parliament hosts CPA meeting

National NewsNamibian parliament hosts CPA meeting

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Parliament of Namibia is set to host the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region for the Budget Committee meeting in Windhoek from 23 to 26 January 2024. The committee, responsible for organizing, facilitating, and formulating financial recommendations for the Association, plays a crucial role in managing the CPA’s investments. Namibia, a member of CPA Africa, joins 63 national and subnational legislatures in the pursuit of shared goals. Chairperson of the National Council of Namibia and current Vice-Chairperson of the CPA Africa Executive Committee Lukas Sinimbo Muha, is slated to formally inaugurate the meeting. Delegates from five Member…

23 Jan

Occupancy rates increase to nearly 40 percent in December

National NewsOccupancy rates increase to nearly 40 percent in December

Martin Endjala According to Simonis Storm Securities’ December 2023 hospitality statistics report, the month, characterized by festivities, offered a total of 51,192 rooms, of which 19,942 were occupied, resulting in a nationwide occupancy rate of 38.9 percent. The report indicated that December of the previous year witnessed significant activity in the hospitality sector, with 69 participants across different regions. Coastal areas led in terms of room occupancy during this period, followed by the Southern and Central regions. This trend is attributed to the leisure activities commonly sought during the festive season, as people looked to relax and celebrate the end…

23 Jan

Namibian parliament hosts CPA meeting

National NewsNamibian parliament hosts CPA meeting

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Parliament of Namibia is set to host the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Africa Region for the Budget Committee meeting in Windhoek from 23 to 26 January 2024. The committee, responsible for organizing, facilitating, and formulating financial recommendations for the Association, plays a crucial role in managing the CPA’s investments. Namibia, a member of CPA Africa, joins 63 national and subnational legislatures in the pursuit of shared goals. Chairperson of the National Council of Namibia and current Vice-Chairperson of the CPA Africa Executive Committee Lukas Sinimbo Muha, is slated to formally inaugurate the meeting. Delegates from five Member…

23 Jan

NIP achieves international recognition for excellence in medical laboratory sciences

National NewsNIP achieves international recognition for excellence in medical laboratory sciences

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Institute of Pathology Limited (NIP) has solidified its standing among the global elite by earning international recognition for significant advancements in medical laboratory sciences through the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM). This remarkable achievement was unveiled during the Sixth Biennial Conference of the ASLM, which took place from 12 to 15 December 2023, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. According to a statement, a total of 14 NIP laboratories have been accredited by the Southern African Development Community Accreditation Service (SADCAS), aligning with the esteemed international standard ISO 15189. The journey toward accreditation has…

22 Jan

Security company will refund a guard after cutting his salary for sleeping on duty

National NewsSecurity company will refund a guard after cutting his salary for sleeping on duty

Stefanus Nashama Namibia Asset Protection has agreed to refund Shapumba Tutangeni, a security guard, N$920, which was deducted from his salary in December of the previous year for allegedly sleeping on duty.This decision comes after a successful intervention by social activist Michael Amushelelo on the matter. According to Amushelelo, Tutangeni is paid an average of N$8.33 per hour.A payslip reviewed by the Windhoek Observer shows that in December of the previous year, Tutangeni received a starting salary of N$2,500, plus N$500. The company deducted N$22.50 for social security (0.9 percent), N$625 for a loan, and N$920 for sleeping on duty,…

22 Jan

Walvis Bay welcomes another giant ship

National NewsWalvis Bay welcomes another giant ship

Niël Terblanché Namibia’s main port, Walvis Bay is temporarily playing host to the specially converted oil and gas production ship, FPSO Léopold Sédar Senghor, that on Monday dropped anchor in the bay on its way to Senegal. The confirmation of the FPSO's anchorage in Walvis Bay came from Taná Pesat, the Manager of Corporate Communication at the Namibian Ports Authority (Namport). According to Pesat the colossal vessel will stay at anchor for roughly seven days while it takes on fuel before departing and sailing up the west coast of Africa. The port of Walvis Bay along with Port Louis in…

22 Jan

New Walvis Bay Gymnasium will be a beacon of educational excellence

National NewsNew Walvis Bay Gymnasium will be a beacon of educational excellence

Niël Terblanché The Walvis Bay Gymnasium officially welcomed its first wave of eager learners during the official opening of the new learning facility last week. The opening ceremony, attended by dignitaries and community members, marked a significant step forward in providing quality education and addressing the pressing challenges of student performance and overcrowding in schools. Walvis Bay Mayor, Trevino Forbes, lauded the rapid and efficient construction of the school, emphasizing its importance to the community. , "The speed and precision with which this facility was constructed is a testament to the dedication and hard work of all those involved. The…