National News – Page 90 – Windhoek Observer

29 Apr

Mining controversy spurs local development agreement in Epupa

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Following reports from traditional leaders in Ekungira, Epupa Constituency, that ongoing mining activities are illegal, community members have reached an agreement with mining companies to contribute to local development. This was revealed in a report by the Ombudsman, conducted after some traditional authorities complained that mining was taking place without their consent. The agreement includes conditions that the mining companies drill a borehole for the community, assist with a community garden, contribute to a community fund, and establish a school garden project. Media Ombudsman Basilius Dyakugha, in a report presented yesterday, stated that a complaint was lodged with…

29 Apr

Power supply issues prompt prolonged water rationing

National News

Niël Terblanché Water rationing in Walvis Bay will continue until 30 June 2025, following an extension announced by the Municipality of Walvis Bay. The extension adds 31 days to the initial measures, which were due to end today. The decision follows ongoing electricity supply problems affecting the Rooi Bank and Dorop South aquifer systems, which are key to the town’s water supply. NamWater spokesperson Lot Ndamanomhata said the utility advised the municipality to maintain water rationing to avoid complete depletion of reservoir levels. Voltage drops and ageing infrastructure continue to limit water extraction from the boreholes. Daily water supply interruptions…

29 Apr

Snake kills toddler near Omatjete

National News

Niël Terblanché A three-year-old boy, Lihoneni Mingeli, died early Monday morning after being bitten by a snake at the Ovitapita farm near Omatjete. The incident happened around 04:00, according to Inspector Judith Shomongula, spokesperson for the Namibian Police in the Erongo Region. She said the child's mother was sleeping on a bed with her two children, while a visitor slept on the floor in the same room. "The visitor felt something moving on her blanket. She woke up, lit a torch and saw the snake," Shomongula said. The visitor tried to alert the mother, but the snake had already disappeared.…

29 Apr

Getaway car, N$55 000 found in Namcor fuel station robbery

National News

Niël Terblanché Police have recovered N$55 000 and a getaway vehicle used in an armed robbery at the Namcor Soweto Service Station in Katutura. According to Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, one of the suspects was arrested after being shot in the leg during a confrontation with city police officers. Four other suspects fled and remain at large, with a manhunt underway. The robbery occurred around 09h00 on Monday when five armed individuals arrived in a black sedan with a fake number plate. They stormed both the fuel station and the adjacent Pick n Pay Express store. A 39-year-old employee was…

28 Apr

Funding secured for Okangwati Extension 3 township

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Kunene Regional Council has secured funding for the establishment of Okangwati Extension 3 under the national development budget. This move sets plans in motion to formalise and expand the settlement’s residential and business areas. Chief Regional Officer, George Kamseb, said the township project aligns with the priorities of the Sixth National Development Plan and the National Housing Policy of 2023, which promote sustainable human settlements. "Funding has been secured under the Development Budget for the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework for the years 2025/26 to 2027/28," Kamseb said. The council will oversee needs and feasibility assessments, environmental impact studies,…

28 Apr

Zambezi region most supportive of marijuana use

Featured, National News

Ester Mbathera People from the Zambezi region believe marijuana use can sometimes or always be justified. This makes them the most supportive group in the country, according to the Afrobarometer Survey 2024 conducted by Cirrus Survey Warehouse Namibia. The survey shows that approval for adult cannabis use varies across regions, age groups, education levels, and ethnic backgrounds. Nationally, the nation remains divided on the issue. The public was asked whether adults using marijuana can "always be justified," "sometimes be justified," or "never be justified." Among ethnic groups, people who wanted to be identified as Caprivians scored 82%, followed by Nama…

28 Apr

Outapi water treatment plant expansion is progressing well

National News

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Water Corporation (NamWater) has announced steady progress on the N$141.8 million expansion and upgrade of the Outapi Water Treatment Plant (WTP). The project aims to meet the increasing water needs of Outapi Town and surrounding communities in the Omusati Region. NamWater’s spokesperson, Lot Ndamanomhata, said in a statement on Monday that work has already started and is moving forward. “We are pleased to share that progress is moving steadily and visible work is taking shape,” he said. He added that the project was launched to meet the growing water needs of the region. The existing plant,…

28 Apr

Construction of an inclusive resource school in Kamanjab set to begin

National News

Niël Terblanché Construction of a special school for differently abled children in Kamanjab will soon begin, following a groundbreaking ceremony on Saturday. Speaking at the event on behalf of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare described the Kunene Region Resource School project as a milestone in Namibia’s education infrastructure. He said the government has made access to inclusive, quality education a priority, with a commitment to ensure that no child is left behind, regardless of ability, location, or circumstance. The school will cater specifically to learners with hearing, visual, and intellectual impairments. It will include adapted classrooms, hostel blocks,…

28 Apr

Namibia set to roll out digital IDs

National News

Niël Terblanché Namibia is preparing to transition to a digital identity system aimed at improving service delivery, unlocking opportunities, and tackling corruption. Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security Lucia Iipumbu addressed the media at the Ministry’s headquarters in Windhoek on Monday. She praised the ministry and its partners for their efforts in planning the transition to Digital Legal Identity. She called the shift a timely and necessary move for a world that is becoming increasingly digital. “Let us become champions of Digital Legal Identity in Africa, so others can learn from us,” she said. Iipumbu urged all stakeholders…

28 Apr

Researchers propose turning locusts into animal feed

National News

Allexer Namundjembo Farmers in the northern parts of the country facing outbreaks of destructive insects like locusts and armoured crickets could benefit by using these insects as animal feed. Hiskia Asino, a doctorate candidate in aquaculture and nutrition at the University of Namibia (Unam), proposed turning pests such as locusts, armyworms, and armoured crickets into protein-rich feed for poultry, pigs, and fish. His idea aims to reduce crop damage and lower feed costs. "Instead of viewing these pests only as a threat, we should begin to see them as a resource. Locusts, for example, are high in protein and can…