National News – Page 343 – Windhoek Observer

19 Feb

High Court rescinds Chinese company’s urgent application in procurement dispute case

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The High Court has denied Zhong Mei Engineering Group (Pty) Ltd, the opportunity to apply for an interim interdict on an urgent basis against the Central Procurement Board of Namibia (CPBN) with regard to the construction of a new head office for Namibia Financial Institutions Supervisory Authority (Namfisa). Acting Judge Collins Parker found that the applicant failed to establish the exceptional nature of the case or provide a proper and strong foundation for the relief sought. This decision comes amidst a legal battle involving Palladium Civil Engineering (Pty) Ltd and Zhong Mei Engineering, who urgently challenged the Central…

19 Feb

NAU aims to assist with implementation of new Water Act

National News

Niël Terblanché Safeguarding Namibia's water resources for future generations rests on the successful implementation and the collective effort of the Namibian people to embrace sustainable water management practices. Namibia has embarked on a significant legislative shift with the implementation of the Water Resources Management Act 11 of 2013, known colloquially as the Water Act, which came into effect towards the end of August 2023. This new legal framework, complemented by its supporting Regulations 268, 269, and 270, aims to redefine water resource management in the country, emphasizing the government's commitment to sustainable water use and environmental conservation. The Namibia Agricultural…

19 Feb

Mbumba confers the honour of National Hero on Geingob

National NewsMbumba confers the honour of National Hero on Geingob

Niël Terblanché President Nangolo Mbumba, in a proclamation published on Friday, directed that a state funeral be held in honour of President Hage Geingob and that the former Head of State would be buried at Heroes’ Acre in Windhoek on 25 February. According to the Conferment of National Honours Act of 2012, a hero or heroine means a person who has done a heroic deed for the public good or has made an outstanding contribution or achievement for Namibia. The day Geingob died, Mbumba described him as “a distinguished servant of the people, a liberation struggle icon, the chief architect…

19 Feb

700 000 people impacted by drought in Namibia

National News700 000 people impacted by drought in Namibia

Martin Endjala Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia (EIF) Chief Executive Officer Benedict Libanda, has made a shocking revelation that on an annual basis, an average of 700 000 people in Namibia are impacted by climate change and drought. He shared this information during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between EIF and the Namibia Special Risks Insurance Association Limited (NASRIA) in Windhoek last week. The agreement aims to mitigate climate change challenges and promote sustainable development. “With pressing times of climate change challenges, requiring funding and innovations such as this MoU, it becomes paramount to mitigating climate challenges,” he…

19 Feb

Hengari threatens to sue police chief for N$2 million over unlawful detention

National News

Stefanus Nashama Inna Hengari, the Popular Democratic Movement’s Member of Parliament, has revealed her intention to sue the Inspector General of the Namibian Police, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, for N$2 million. The intended lawsuit follows Hengari’s alleged unlawful arrest and detention by the police and the subsequent partial prosecution on charges that were withdrawn on 15 August 2023. According to a letter addressed to Shikongo, by Hengari’s Lawyer, Mesekameneko Tjituri, the civil proceedings are expected to be instituted in the High Court of Namibia on 15 March 2024. Tjituri stated that his client was unlawfully arrested and detained by the…

19 Feb

City drags mines ministry to court over electricity licensing dispute

National NewsCity drags mines ministry to court over electricity licensing dispute

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In a legal battle that could reshape the landscape of electricity distribution in the capital city, the Windhoek Municipality Council has taken the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME), along with the Electricity Control Board (ECB) and Ongos Valley Development (PTY) Ltd (OVD), to court. The move follows a controversial decision by the Minister of Mines under Section 34 of the Electricity Act, granting Ongos Valley Development permission to operate its own electricity grid under the municipality’s electricity licenses. City of Windhoek Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Moses Matyayi, linked a founding affidavit filed at the Windhoek High Court,…

19 Feb

Schools at the epicenter of COVID-19 outbreak in Rehoboth

National News

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Health and Social Services has reported a surge in COVID-19 cases in Rehoboth, in the Hardap Region, with schools being the primary hotspots. As of 8 February 2024, 20 cases have been confirmed, with a significant concentration at Dr Lemmer High School, marking a critical point in the region’s battle against the pandemic. Dr Benville Platt, the acting regional health director of Hardap, emphasized the necessity of strict adherence to COVID-19 safety protocols in educational institutions. With 11 individuals having already recovered and 9 still battling active infections, the situation underscores the volatile nature of…

19 Feb

Namibia leads in media freedom with new police training module

National NewsNamibia leads in media freedom with new police training module

Niël Terblanché In a move to maintain media freedom and journalist safety, the Namibian Police (NAMPOL), in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), has taken a significant step forward by introducing a new training module focused on freedom of expression and the safety of journalists. This initiative places Namibia at the forefront of African nations in promoting a safer environment for media professionals and upholding the values of free expression. The training module, now a part of the basic curriculum for NAMPOL officers of all ranks, was officially approved following a pilot ‘Training of Trainers’…

19 Feb

Swakopmund celebrates leap towards modern infrastructure

National News

Niël Terblanché The Swakopmund Municipality, in collaboration with Paul and Lucy Investment, unveiled the completion of Phase 1 of the Ondjamba Road upgrade. During the opening of the newly upgraded road, Mayor Dina Namubes, said the improved infrastructure is a crucial shift from a gravel path to a modern interlocked street that signifies a new era of progress and prosperity for the residents of Swakopmund. According to Namubes, the transformation of Ondjamba Road is more than just an infrastructural upgrade; it’s a testament to the community’s resilience, dedication, and collective effort towards enhancing the general welfare in a cost-effective manner.…

19 Feb

Urgent need for enhanced oncology service

National NewsUrgent need for enhanced oncology service

Niël Terblanché As Namibia confronts daunting healthcare challenges, especially with an increased number of people diagnosed with cancer, enhanced oncology services become not just a matter of policy reform but a moral imperative to safeguard the health and well-being of people. The Chief Executive Officer of the Cancer Association of Namibia, Rolf Hansen, has raised a pressing concern about the country’s escalating cancer rates and the urgent need for improved oncology services and care, especially for the financially vulnerable populations. This call to action comes in light of alarming statistics that show that Namibia currently has to deal with an…