Observer – Page 442 – Windhoek Observer

20 Sep

High seas disrupt cargo deliveries and strand tourists in Namibia

ObserverObserver Money

Niël Terblanché Severe weather and high seas conditions have caused chaos along the coastlines of several Southern African countries over the past few days. Maersk, a leading international shipping conglomerate, has diverted two of its colossal container ships due to the adverse weather, rerouting them to the port of Walvis Bay. The company released a statement explaining the drastic measure: “The Maersk Sofia and Maersk Sheerness, are significantly affected by the weather around the coast, prompting us to omit Cape Town West Bound calls for both vessels.” The company said all Cape Town imports will be discharged in Walvis Bay…

20 Sep

Namibia Football Association Introduces C License Coaching Course in Katima Mulilo, Zambezi Region for the First Time

ObserverSportsNamibia Football Association Introduces C License Coaching Course in Katima Mulilo, Zambezi Region for the First Time

Katima Mulilo, Zambezi Region - The Namibia Football Association (NFA) is pleased to announce the introduction of the highly anticipated C License Coaching Course, which will be held for the first time in Katima Mulilo, Zambezi Region. This groundbreaking initiative aims to enhance football development within the region and create a new wave of skilled coaches who will contribute to the growth of the sport in Namibia. The course that started from 12 September will end on the 22 September 2023. The NFA C License Coaching Course in Katima Mulilo is set to revolutionize football coaching in the Zambezi Region.…

20 Sep

Criticism mounts against Prime Minister’s handling of drought support programme

ObserverNational NewsCriticism mounts against Prime Minister’s handling of drought support programme

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Popular Democratic Movement Member of Parliament Diederik Vries has voiced concerns regarding the administration of the Livestock Support Programme and the handling of crucial aid for drought-stricken farmers. He wants Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila to explain to the public, specifically farmers how beneficiaries are selected. He said the Disaster Risk Fund, overseen by the Office of the Prime Minister, had pledged to commence drought relief measures by 1 July 2023. However, nothing substantive has happened in that regard, raising concerns among many farmers, particularly in the drought-hit regions of Omaheke, Kunene, Hardap, //Kharas, and parts of Erongo. He…

20 Sep

Namibians unable to honour monthly bills

ObserverNational NewsNamibians unable to honour monthly bills, TransUnion Consumer Pulse Study

Martin Endjala About 45 percent of Namibians are struggling or unable to pay their monthly bills and loans in full as they continue to experience financial challenges due to rising inflation rates and job losses. This is according to the latest TransUnion Consumer Pulse Study for the third quarter (Q3) released this week. This shows that 20 percent of consumers had their income increased in the last three months and close to 36 percent reported a salary decrease. As a result, 56 percent of consumers have cut back on their discretionary spendings such as dining out, travel and entertainment over…

20 Sep

PDM questions N$255 million classroom tender

ObserverNational NewsPDM questions N$255 million classroom tender

Stefanus Nashama Popular Democratic Movement Member of Parliament, Jennifer Van Den Heever, wants the Minister of Education, Arts and Culture, Anna Nghipondoka, to explain why August 26 was awarded a N$255 million tender to build classrooms while private construction companies are collapsing due to a lack of available contracts. While posting her questions to the minister in Parliament yesterday, Van Den Heever questioned why a state-owned company is competing with private companies who are desperate for construction tenders to survive. Van Den Heever also tasked Nghipondoka to provide Parliament with a competitive analysis between August 26 and private companies in…

20 Sep

Law Enforcement Rallies to Ensure Safety During Census

ObserverNational NewsLaw Enforcement Rallies to Ensure Safety During Census

Stefanus Nashama The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) has partnered with the Namibian Police Force and the Windhoek City Police to guarantee the safety and security of enumerators during the 2023 Population and Housing Census fieldwork. During a joint press conference held in Windhoek with the Namibian Police Force, Statistician-General, Alex Shimuafeni stated that the collaboration has been established with the police to ensure that the census is not only successful but also safe for both enumerators and respondents. “These arrangements aim to make certain the counting process is seamless and free of any criminal incidents,” Shimuafeni said. He added that…

20 Sep

Breaches of customs regulations lead to forfeiture of vehicles

ObserverNational NewsBreaches of customs regulations lead to forfeiture of vehicles, Trans-Kalahari Border Post

Niël Terblanché The Gobabis Magistrates Court ruled for the forfeiture of two vehicles following recent violations of the Customs and Excise Act, 1998 (Act No. 20 of 1998). One of the drivers entered the country via the Trans-Kalahari Border Post, completely disregarding the stipulated customs declaration as detailed in section 14(1)(a) of the Act. The Namibian Police took swift action, resulting in a pursuit that culminated in the arrest of the driver in Gobabis. The VW Golf 6 was confiscated, and during the court proceedings, the driver was fined N$8 000 or the alternative of a two-year prison term. Last…

20 Sep

Gobabis Municipality accused of neglecting critical electrical network

ObserverNational NewsFrederick Ueitele, Gobabis Municipality accused of neglecting critical electrical network

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Gobabis Municipality is facing allegations of negligence and mismanagement regarding the maintenance and rehabilitation of its ageing electrical network after a mother and daughter barely survived electrocution. Community members and an internal source at the municipality have expressed concerns about the potential hazards posed by the deteriorating electricity network infrastructure of the town. A recent incident of a mother and daughter getting electrocuted has heightened concerns within the community. According to a source who preferred anonymity, a consultant was engaged to address pressing issues within the electrical network and made considerable efforts to expedite crucial processes such…

20 Sep

Paragon secures RA3 Certification

ObserverMainParagon secures RA3 Certification

Niël Terblanché After a meticulous EU aviation security validation, Paragon Aviation Services has been officially designated as an RA3 (third-country regulated agent) by the Federal Aviation Office (LBA). EU RA3 certification stands for “Regulated Agent Third Country” certification. It’s a designation given to companies outside the European Union that meet specific security requirements for shipping goods to the EU. Such certification underpins the company’s ability to provide Cargo and Mail, under super-tight safe and secure measures and environment. The newly acquired RA3 status is a significant accomplishment for Paragon Aviation Services. This is the first time in the history of…

19 Sep

An exclusive interview with Ester Haikola-Sakaria, Environmentalist

ObserverFeaturedAn exclusive interview with Ester Haikola-Sakaria, Environmentalist

Ester Haikola-Sakaria is the Founder and Director of the NGO, Wakapinya Environmental Education. She granted us this exclusive interview. Can you tell us about your family?I have 10 siblings, 5 sisters and 5 brothers. I was raised by my grandparents in an extended family with my cousins and it was lovely. My mom and dad are wonderful parents. Today, I’m married to a man of God.What is your earliest memory of your childhood?I grew up in the Northern part of Namibia, in Okongo-Oluwaya Village. One thing I will tell you is that I have always loved nature. I spent most…