Observer – Page 419 – Windhoek Observer

10 Aug

New NDF recruits graduate

ObserverNational NewsDefence Minister, Frans Kapofi, New NDF recruits graduate

Niël Terblanché OVER 1000 new Namibian Defence Force (NDF) recruits celebrated their graduation at a spectacular parade at Oshona Base near Okahandja. Speaking at the pass out parade, Defence Minister, Frans Kapofi said the journey of the 1 264 recruits, which began in November last year, took the recruits through a difficult nine months of hard training. “The training was very difficult, and I believe some of you considered quitting at some point, but you persevered, and thus you line up here today, tall and proud,” he remarked. According to Kapofi, the training was divided into three phases that were…

10 Aug

Sibinda health centre goes a year without water

ObserverNational NewsSibinda health centre goes a year without water, Sibinda Health Centre in the Zambezi

Hertta-Maria Amutenja A nurse at the Sibinda Health Centre in the Zambezi region has disclosed that the health institution has been suffering from acute water shortages for over a year. The nurse, known only as Steven, told the National Council Standing Committee on Health, Social Welfare, and Labour Affairs that a lack of water is impeding their efforts to provide public services. The clinic’s struggles to deliver effective healthcare services without access to water, according to the nurse, have resulted in substantial challenges for both patients and healthcare personnel. “The main challenge we face is a lack of water. The…

10 Aug

Kabbe North residents want permission to catch crocs, hippos

ObserverNational Newshippos, Kabbe North residents want permission to catch crocs, Kabbe residents

Martin Endjala KABBE North Constituency residents in the Zambezi region are pushing for a policy that will allow them to catch crocodiles and hippopotamuses every year to lower their population and eliminate human-wildlife conflicts. The residents appealed to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources on Tuesday during a public session. The parliamentary committee is touring the region for community input on the critical subject of human-wildlife conflict. Human-wildlife conflict has already been discussed in the National Assembly after various communities nationwide complained about wild animals killing them and their cattle and damaging their houses. Kabbe residents live near the…

10 Aug

US Ambassador Tsumkwe visit commended

ObserverNational NewsNamibia Randy Berry visited Tsumkwe from August 2 to 4, US Ambassador Tsumkwe visit commended

Staff Writer UNITED States (US) Ambassador to Namibia Randy Berry visited Tsumkwe from August 2 to 4 to meet with community leaders, students, conservation actors, and health care professionals. During his two-day visit, Ambassador Berry paid a courtesy visit to the Mangetti Dune Health Centre and met with the nurse-in-charge and tuberculosis (TB) field promoter. The nurse described the HIV/TB services provided at the location thanks to funding from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) administered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a vital tool for saving lives. PEPFAR assists the health centre by…

10 Aug

Menzies makes a mockery of Namibian law

ObserverMainHosea Kutako International Airport, Menzies makes a mockery of Namibian law, Paragon Investment Holdings., Sisa Namandje

Niël Terblanché Despite the fact that the Namibian High Court and Supreme Court dismissed a total of five applications by Menzies Aviation to continue providing ground handling services at the Hosea Kutako International Airport, the British-owned company appears determined to defy all court orders and extend their illegal occupation of the airport premises. By defying all court orders to vacate the premises of the Namibia Airports Company and acting as if it is above all the laws of Namibia. Menzies has caused millions of dollars in damages to Paragon Investment Holdings. Sisa Namandje, Paragon’s legal representative, during a media briefing…

09 Aug

Govt assessing market appetite to sell remaining MTC shares

ObserverObserver Money

Niël Terblanché ELECTRICITY generated by wind turbines will add to the supply of clean energy already used by Orano Mining Namibia to desalinate seawater at its plant near Wlotzkabaken. InnoSun Energy Holdings, a subsidiary of the French company InnoVent, will start work on the construction of a 10 Mega Watt wind farm at Trekkopje in the Namib Desert. The aim of the project is to supply clean electricity to the Erongo water desalination plant owned by Orano. A year ago, InnoSun signed a ten-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Orano Mining for five MW of electricity supplied from a solar…

09 Aug

Green energy drives desalination

ObserverObserver MoneyGreen energy drives desalination, Trekkopje in the Namib Desert.

Niël Terblanché ELECTRICITY generated by wind turbines will add to the supply of clean energy already used by Orano Mining Namibia to desalinate seawater at its plant near Wlotzkabaken. InnoSun Energy Holdings, a subsidiary of the French company InnoVent, will start work on the construction of a 10 Mega Watt wind farm at Trekkopje in the Namib Desert. The aim of the project is to supply clean electricity to the Erongo water desalination plant owned by Orano. A year ago, InnoSun signed a ten-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with Orano Mining for five MW of electricity supplied from a solar…

09 Aug

More green hydrogen projects on the way

ObserverObserver MoneyMore green hydrogen projects on the way, Namibia’s Ohlthaver & List Group and CMB.TECH from Belgium

Niël Terblanché HYDROGEN fuel cell technology, which generates electricity to power most modes of transportation, is gaining traction, and Namibia, with its abundance of sunshine, is ideally positioned to promote the creation of green hydrogen required for exportation. Work is being done to identify cost-effective ways to use solar or wind energy to create hydrogen via electrolysis. Because the minerals in salty seawater conduct electricity generated by solar or wind energy far better than fresh water, it is perfect for electrolysis. Cleanergy Solutions Namibia intends to become Namibia's first company to manufacture commercial-grade hydrogen from water using renewable energy sources…

09 Aug

Senior Govt employees barred from electioneering

ObserverNational NewsExecutive Directors, National Assembly, National Council, Senior Govt employees barred from electioneering

Staff Writer CABINET Secretary, George Simataa says government employees in managerial positions are not allowed to participate in political activities that promote political party ideas. Simataa released a public service management circular on Tuesday addressed to the National Assembly, Executive Directors, National Council, Chief Electoral Officer, Regional Councils, labour unions, and other government-affiliated organisations. According to the Public Service Act (Act No. 13 of 1995), government employees in management positions are not permitted to preside over public political meetings that promote political party ideas. Simataa’s proclamation follows media reports on senior government officials who are said to be seeking senior…

09 Aug

Avail funds for medicine to be readily available, Govt told

ObserverNational NewsAvail funds for medicine to be readily available, Govt told, Meundju Jahanika, POPULAR Democratic Movement (PDM) Elders Council

Stefanus Nashama POPULAR Democratic Movement (PDM) Elders Council has asked government to grant additional funds to the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) in order for the Ministry to be able to furnish government hospitals and clinics with readily available medicines and health passports. The Council also recommended that government provide suitable and sufficient storage facilities to ensure adequate pharmaceutical stock. According to PDM Elders Council Acting Secretary, Meundju Jahanika, the shortage of drugs in public health facilities, particularly in rural areas, is a severe issue that mostly affects the elderly. Jahanika stated in a media statement yesterday that…