Windhoek Observer – Page 458 – Windhoek Observer

19 Dec

NALOBA criticises NamWater for overlooking locals in tenders

National News

Allexer Namundjebo The Namibia Local Business Association (NALOBA) has accused NamWater of sidelining local companies in awarding a N$263.7 million water pipeline tender. In a press release, NALOBA spokesperson Marius Nangolo criticised the decision to award the tender to a Chinese firm, saying it undermines efforts to localise the economy. “The decision not only undermines efforts to localise our economy, but it also poses a serious threat to job creation and the retention of capital within our country,” Nangolo said. He further warned of the adverse effects of such decisions, explaining that diverting opportunities abroad results in capital outflows that…

19 Dec

Swakopmund municipality extends Christmas cheer to inmates

National News

Niël Terblanché To spread the spirit of the festive season and as a gesture of community support, the Swakopmund Municipality donated 120 hygiene packs to inmates at the Swakopmund Correctional Facility on Thursday. The donation valued at N$6 020 was officially handed over by Deputy Mayor Suama Kautondokwa and received by Senior Superintendent Felicity Mwiya, Officer in Charge at the facility on behalf of the inmates. This initiative, facilitated by Pennina Haimbodi of the UHili Necessity Wellness Trust, demonstrates the business community and the municipality’s commitment to enhancing wellness and extending compassion to all members of society, including those who…

19 Dec

EIF defends green hydrogen procurement process

National News

Allexer Namundjembo The Environmental Investment Fund (EIF) of Namibia has addressed concerns over its procurement process for the Namibia Green Hydrogen Program (NGH2P), emphasising that all decisions were fully compliant with the country’s Public Procurement Act. The concerns focus on the appointment of consultants for a Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) and a communication strategy for the green hydrogen sector. The EIF made it clear that the SESA, which was needed to study the social and economic effects of green hydrogen projects in southern Namibia, was behind schedule because of failed rounds of procurement. Benedict Lidanda, EIF chief executive…

19 Dec

Defence & education ministries dispel military deployment to schools rumours

National News

Stefanus Nashama The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture has dismissed claims circulating on social media that it requested the deployment of military personnel to replace private security services at schools. Rumours spread through various WhatsApp groups over the past week suggested that the Ministry of Education had approached the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs to assign Namibian Defence Force (NDF) members to guard schools. The allegations further claimed the request was awaiting approval. Speaking to the Windhoek Observer on Wednesday, Sanet Steenkamp, Executive Director of the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, categorically denied the claims, emphasizing that…

19 Dec

Businessperson, community activist awaken to the reality of capitalism

Opinions

Kae Matundu-Tjiparuro A local businessperson in the conservation and tourism sector, in an opinion article in The Namibian newspaper of December 6, 2024, headlined, “Breaking the Silence on Conservancies and Tourism Versus Mining,” took issue with threats posed by mining activities to the environment. Not long after the said article, who sounded like a community activist, a native and resident of the Kunene region, in the ancient and/or pre-colonial Ohopoho, today’s Opuwo, featuring on the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC)’s Omurari FM daily current affairs programme, Keetute. Who last Thursday, 12 December, 2024, also raised concern, albeit of a different nature,…

19 Dec

Walvis Bay welcomes financial injection brought by Q7000 rig

Observer Money

Niël Terblanché The marine industrial complex situated in Walvis Bay welcomed the Q7000, a semi-submersible vessel, which docked on 16 December for maintenance and repair work before its deployment to Brazil's oil fields. The vessel is currently stationed at Berth 8 at the harbour, where it will undergo hull cleaning operations to comply with international maritime environmental standards. The Q7000 arrived from Western Australia and is scheduled for a ten-day stay in Walvis Bay. During this period, specialized underwater vacuum cleaning technology will be employed to remove marine life such as barnacles and mussels from the hull. The extracted organisms…

19 Dec

SMEs benefit from swiping machine

Observer Money

Martin Endjala In the digital transformative world, innovative ways of doing business have become a prerequisite for many Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to navigate the demands of high-tech payment and cash withdrawal systems. Papa G, who owns Papa G’s Chicken in Grysblock, Windhoek, narrated his experience with a Portable Point of Sale (POS) commonly known as a swiping machine, describing it as convenient for his customers. He told the Windhoek Observer this week that some customers do not walk around carrying money, and the convenience of him having a swiping machine has been a game changer. “Trust me if…

19 Dec

Law enforcement ready for a safe holiday period

National News

Niël Terblanché As Christmas approaches, law enforcement agencies in the Erongo region have stepped up efforts to ensure safety and security for both residents and visitors. Erongo regional police commander, Commissioner Nikolaus Kupembona, assured the public of a well-coordinated safety strategy. “ We are ready to ensure law and order, but we need the public’s cooperation to make this festive season crime-free,” he said. He added that holidaymakers from across Namibia and abroad can look forward to celebrations in the coastal towns, supported by robust safety measures. According to Kupembona, the regional command has implemented a comprehensive safety plan, including…

19 Dec

Determination for the procurement of new power generation projects announced

Observer Money

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Ministry of Mines and Energy has approved the 2024 ministerial determination for the procurement of new power generation projects, in line with the National Integrated Resource Plan (NIRP) of 2022. In a statement issued on Thursday, the minister of mines and energy, Tom Alweendo said the determination serves as a strategic guide for NamPower and the broader Electricity Supply Industry (ESI) in the development, procurement, and execution of critical energy projects. The minister emphasised that the determination reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing energy security and advancing energy independence through sustainable power generation. The initiative is expected…

19 Dec

Swakopmund set for water safety and drowning prevention marathon

Sports

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Mekenificent Business Hub, in collaboration with the Swakopmund Municipality and other partners, is organising the Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Marathon to raise awareness about ocean safety and prevent drowning incidents. The event’s second edition will take place in Swakopmund on December 21, under the theme “A Safer Coast.” The inaugural marathon was held in Windhoek in 2023. Mekenificent Business Hub founder, Meke Namindo on Thursday said the event is a festive fun run or walk to raise awareness of keeping the ocean safe and preventing drowning, which can increase during the holiday season. “We are committed to…