National News – Page 98 – Windhoek Observer

23 Oct

Geingob tells IPPR’s Hopwood where to get off

ObserverNational NewsGeingob tells IPPR’s Hopwood where to get off

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In a firm response to the Institute of Public Policy and Research (IPPR) and its Director, Graham Hopwood, President Hage Geingob has dismissed concerns raised by Hopwood regarding the acceptance of an award from the African Energy Chamber (AEC) and his association with Cameroonian lawyer NJ Ayuk. Geingob Spokesperson Alfredo Hengarri, stated yesterday that a series of articles published in The Namibian newspaper questioning the President’s decision to accept the AEC Lifetime Award raised concerns about NJ Ayuk’s alleged “corrupt influences” in the emerging upstream petroleum sector in Namibia, quoted Hopewood disproval of Geingob’s association with Ayuk. “I…

23 Oct

Ministry of Works and Transport to buy pool vehicles for N$25 million

ObserverNational NewsMinistry of Works and Transport to buy pool vehicles for N$25 million

Stefanus Nashama The Ministry of Works and Transport recently announced its plans to acquire 62 vehicles at a cost of N$25 million, to be kept in a pool for use as needed. According to Minister of Works and Transport John Mutorwa, the Cabinet instructed the Ministry to procure 30 Toyota Fortuners GD6 automatic 4x4 vehicles—fifteen with 2.4 engine capacities, fifteen with 2.8 engines, and two Toyota Land Cruisers 300 LC300 3.3D V6 GR-S (731). This procurement is aimed at expanding the existing fleet and reducing the government’s financial burden caused by frequent vehicle repairs. “The mentioned vehicles will serve as…

23 Oct

Unleashing the potential of entrepreneurship, a collective effort: Iipumbu

ObserverNational Newsa collective effort: Iipumbu, Unleashing the potential of entrepreneurship

Martin Endjala Industrialisation and Trade Minister, Lucia Iipumbu, is adamant that unleashing the potential of entrepreneurship in the country can only be realised through collective efforts from all industry players, hence the need for collaboration. “Let us commit to unleashing entrepreneurship potential through a coherent, multisectoral and long-term approach to enhance the role of entrepreneurship in economic, financial, social and environmental sustainability” she urged. The minister was speaking during the Enterprise Ministerial, facilitating entrepreneurship for sustainable development at the eighth World Investment Forum 2023 in Abu Dabi last week. She stressed that entrepreneurship strategies should leverage emerging business models that…

23 Oct

New NamPol facilities in Zambezi inaugurated

ObserverNational News

Stefanus Nashama The government, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security, has constructed new police facilities in Singalamwe, the Zambezi region, at the cost of N$34 million. This is in addition to the allocation of N$678,307.55 for a vehicle, specifically a Toyota Land Cruiser Single Cab LDV 4x4, assigned to the Singalamwe police post. Minister Albert Kawana outlined that the Singalamwe police post facility includes a charge office with three offices, a record room, a radio room, a kitchen, a two-bedroom house, a 20-room barracks, a dining hall, a staff entertainment area, and a borehole. Speaking during…

23 Oct

U.S. citizens urged to exercise caution amid rising global tensions

ObserverNational NewsU.S. citizens urged to exercise caution amid rising global tensions

Niël Terblanché In response to escalating tensions in the Middle East and other global hotspots, the U.S. State Department issued a worldwide caution alert last Thursday, advising U.S. citizens abroad to exercise increased caution. The alert, triggered by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, cited the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations, or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests. This cautionary advisory comes in the wake of protests throughout the Middle East, many of which have targeted U.S. diplomatic compounds in response to the Israel-Hamas conflict. State Department spokesperson Matt Miller emphasized that the decision to issue a worldwide alert is based…

23 Oct

Water challenges addressed at the historical symposium

ObserverNational NewsWater challenges addressed at the historical symposium

Niël Terblanché The inaugural Namibian Regional Water Symposium (NRWS) aimed at fostering collaboration of various stakeholders, will play a crucial role in addressing the country’s water-related challenges. The event was officially launched by Calle Schlettwein, Minister of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, in the North Central Regions, with a particular focus on the Oshana Region. In his address at the symposium, Schlettwein highlighted the importance of the NRWS, which brings together policymakers, academia, water scientists, practitioners, researchers, and industries to discuss critical water and sanitation issues. The historic event is presented under the theme, “Water and Sanitation for All: Achieving…

20 Oct

Seibeb to Question Recruitment of Civil Servants into Swapo Structures

ObserverNational NewsSeibeb to Question Recruitment of Civil Servants into Swapo Structures

Stefanus Nashama Henny Seibeb, Chief Whip of the Landless People’s Movement in the National Assembly, has announced his intention to raise questions with Prime Minister Saara Kuugengelwa-Amadhila next week regarding the recruitment and active involvement of senior civil servants in Swapo Party structures and the Think Tank. Seibeb expresses concern that the participation of senior civil servants may impede productivity within the public service. In the National Assembly this week, the opposition Member of Parliament submitted a notice of questions, alleging that he has observed certain senior civil servants, who hold pivotal decision-making roles, engaging in campaigns and serving in…

20 Oct

Health Ministry addresses medical supply crisis and dispels transparency concerns

ObserverNational NewsHealth Ministry addresses medical supply crisis and dispels transparency concerns

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MOHSS) has moved to dismiss allegations of a medical supply crisis and concerns about transparency in procurement processes The allegations stemmed from an internal source within the Ministry who alleged that essential medical supplies are deliberately allowed to run out, leading to emergency procurement and possible circumvention of the public tender process. The source also claimed that the Ministry was procuring supplies from ‘friend’s companies.’ “The ministry allows the complete depletion of crucial medical supplies, including non-sterile gloves, sterile surgical gloves, specimen bottles/materials, and other essential medications such as first-line antibiotics,…

20 Oct

Renewables attract N$2.8 billion in investments

ObserverNational NewsRenewables attract N$2.8 billion in investments

Chamwe Kaira Namibian renewable energy projects have successfully attracted investments totalling N$2.8 billion, according to Minister of Industrialization and Trade, Lucia Ipumbu, who made the announcement during a meeting of the World Association of Investment Agencies in Abu Dhabi this week. The minister disclosed that a significant 79 percent of the total investment interest pipeline for Namibia is in renewables, showcasing the growing appeal of sustainable energy ventures in the country. “These investments have materialized into four operational projects, collectively generating 244 direct employment opportunities and 206 temporary employment opportunities for Namibians,” Ipumbu said. She emphasized Namibia’s advantage as a…

20 Oct

Cheetah Cement increases salaries and benefits for employees

ObserverNational News

Stefanus Nashama Whale Rock Cement, also known by its trading name ‘Cheetah Cement,’ and the Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) have reached an agreement to increase salaries and benefits for employees during the 2023/24 and 2024/25 Financial Years, aimed at fostering a harmonious relationship with the workforce. According to Tabby Moyo, Whale Rock Cement’s Public Relations Officer, the agreement signed by the two parties this week encompasses a six percent inflationary salary increment across the board for all employees. Moyo explained that the salary increment is intended to shield employees from national inflation, which has been hovering around six percent.…