Windhoek Observer – Page 422 – Windhoek Observer

12 Nov

Embracing a circular economy could drive sustainable development

National News

Niël Terblanché Namibia is actively adopting the principles of a circular economy to enhance resource efficiency and stimulate economic growth. At a recent meeting in Walvis Bay, Professor Peter Katjavivi, Speaker of the National Assembly and Chairman of the Namibia National Cleaner Production and Sustainable Consumption Centre (NNCPC), called for the nation's commitment to this transformative economic model. He said a circular economy focuses on the continuous use of resources by promoting sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling existing materials and products. This approach contrasts with the traditional linear economy, which follows a 'take-make-dispose' pattern, leading to significant waste…

12 Nov

Link between mining activities and recent earthquakes investigated

National News

Martin Endjala The department of geological survey in the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) is currently conducting a study to determine whether the occurrence of earthquakes in the country is associated with mining activities. Over the weekend, the ministry recorded two earthquakes. The first earthquake occurred on 9 November at about 27 kilometres southwest of Gross Barmen in Okahandja at 09h03 AM local time. The second earthquake took place on 10 November at about 10 kilometres southwest of Opuwo, recorded at 12h04 AM. According to the deputy executive director for geological survey, Gloria Simubali, the earthquakes registered local magnitudes…

11 Nov

Karibib councillors secure prime plots for themselves

Main

Allexer Namundjembo Karibib Mayor, Davey Van Wyk, management committee chairperson Lazarus Kanalombe, Adelheid Swartbooi, and Gerson Geingob have allocated themselves plots in the latest sale of land in the town. Last week, the Karibib Town Council issued a call for objections for the sale of 77 unimproved general residential, residential, institutional, and business erven. The land is located in Usab Extension 6, Karibib Proper, Karibib Extensions 4 and 7, and Townlands. The councillors appearing on the list of beneficiaries provided documentation at the beginning of their term in 2020, proving their residency in Karibib. According to council resolutions, Van Wyk,…

11 Nov

Opposition parties concerned about water and sewage infrastructure

National News

Stefanus Nashama Opposition parties such as the All Peoples’ Party (APP), the Body of Christ Party (BCP), the Congress of Democrats (CoD) and the National Empowerment Fighting Corruption (NEFC) raised concerns about obsolete water and sewage infrastructure in the country. This comes after much of the country’s water and sewage infrastructure has been reported outdated. Speaking to the Windhoek Observer on Monday, APP’s president Ambrosius Kumbwa said the issue has been ongoing for a long time and needs serious intervention. “Much of these water and sewage infrastructure were constructed during colonial times, and as time goes they are getting old,”…

11 Nov

8 000 expected to cast their votes on special vote day

National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Members of Namibia’s uniformed forces, diplomatic missions, and seagoing personnel will cast their votes on 13 November ahead of the national election date of 27 November. The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) anticipates approximately 8 000 registered voters to cast their votes on Wednesday, the special vote day. ECN Chairperson Elsie Nghikembua announced on Monday. “During general registration of voters, the Commission registered 2 159 eligible voters at all 35 Namibia diplomatic missions. However, I should mention that there could be slight variations to this figure because Namibians who registered inside the country but find themselves outside the…

11 Nov

Uaandja dismisses claims of lack of transparency in green hydrogen project

National News

Martin Endjala Nangula Uaandja, the chief executive officer of the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), has defended the government over claims of a lack of transparency around the government-driven green hydrogen (GH2) initiative. Uaandja recently used the X social media platform to address what she sees as public misunderstandings, particularly with regard to the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme, which James Mnyupe is the commissioner of. “The fact is that many people are initiating their projects and then aligning them with government strategy,” she explained. According to Uaandja, the government only initiated the Hyphen project, which it also allocated…

11 Nov

Former New Era editor raises concerns over media freedom

National News

Niël Terblanché Jonathan Beukes, the former managing editor of the state-owned New Era newspaper, has announced his departure from the organisation, citing concerns over the state of media freedom in Namibia. In a statement distributed on social media, Beukes clarified that his exit was the result of a mutual separation agreement with New Era, stressing that he did not resign but agreed to part ways amicably. “In exercising my right to freedom of expression and thought, as enshrined in the supreme law of the land, I am duty-bound to express my fear for the deterioration of media freedom and expression…

11 Nov

ECN prepares for Guinas constituency by-election

National News

Allexer Namundjembo The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has announced that the by-election in the Guinas constituency will be held in January. The by-elections follow the death of former councillor Elias Barney Martinus, who passed away last month at the age of 51. The supplementary registration of voters was facilitated from 10 to 12 November. This will be followed by the publication of the Provisional Voters' Register in the Government Gazette on 19 November. The Provisional Voters' Register will be displayed on 21 November to allow for objections against the inclusion of names of people who do not reside in…

11 Nov

Namibia intensifies offshore oil exploration

National News

Niël Terblanché The National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) has announced an escalation in its offshore exploration activities, aiming to capitalise on recent substantial oil discoveries in the Orange Basin. In collaboration with joint venture partners, Namcor plans to drill four exploration and appraisal wells in Petroleum Exploration Licence areas (PELs) 56, 83, 85, and 90 between the fourth quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025. According to the spokesperson of Namcor, Paulo Coelho, the initiative follows a series of successful discoveries since 2022, which have positioned Namibia as a growing player in the global oil industry. In…

11 Nov

Green trade with the EU holds high potential

Observer MoneyCarbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, European markets

Niël Terblanché A promising avenue emerged for Namibia’s green industries to access European markets, as the union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) offers a competitive edge for the country’s eco-friendly exports This revolutionary initiative was discussed at the Namibia-EU Trade and Sustainability Conference in Windhoek last week and aims to encourage global adherence to strict climate standards by imposing carbon pricing on imported goods, supporting Namibia's green industrialisation vision. James Mnyupe, Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Commissioner, pointed to CBAM's implication in providing a preferential pathway for Namibian green products such as green iron and ammonia. “These products, developed sustainably, meet high…