National News – Page 332 – Windhoek Observer

07 Mar

Khomas Regional Council challenged by urbanisation

National News

At the recent belated commemoration of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) 2023, the Chairperson of the Khomas Regional Council, Shaalukeni John Moonde, highlighted the pressing challenge of urbanisation affecting the council’s ability to respond to disasters effectively. “The rapid influx of rural to urban migration not only hampers our ability to implement development programmes, but also affects our service delivery, such as access to clean water, sanitation, and emergency services,” he said. The councillor stressed that the vulnerable residents in informal settlements are most impacted by the lack of access to emergency services during disasters. In addition,…

06 Mar

NAMFISA awarded best Corporate Governance institution in Namibia

National NewsNAMFISA awarded best Corporate Governance institution in Namibia

Martin Endjala Namibia Financial Institution Supervisory Authority (NAMFISA) has announced that it has been honoured with the prestigious Diamond Arrow Award by PMR. Africa where it is recognised as the top performer in two significant categories. The company was awarded the best annual report in the country for demonstrating exceptional managerial and corporate governance qualities in Namibia. The recognition is said to highlight the Authority’s commitment to transparency, ethical business practices, stakeholder engagement and operational excellence. NAMFISA’s Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Matomola, expressed gratitude to dedicated staff and key stakeholders for their invaluable contributions to NAMFISA. He emphasised the importance…

06 Mar

Smallholder farmers in drought-stricken areas receive assistance

National Newsfollowing support from the government through funds sourced from the Green Climate Fund (GCF)in collaboration with the Environmental Investment Fund under the simplified approval process., Smallholder farmers living in regions under threatening climate conditions have received a boost

Martin Endjala Smallholder farmers living in regions under threatening climate conditions have received a boost, following support from the government through funds sourced from the Green Climate Fund (GCF)in collaboration with the Environmental Investment Fund under the simplified approval process. During the occasion of the handing over of 750 goats, and 300 energy-efficient stoves in the Kunene Region last week, Governor Marius Sheya said the government is vested with the responsibility of ensuring that there is a consistent balance between environmental protection and food production despite the challenges it faces. He said the government aims to enhance food and nutrition…

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…