Observer – Page 464 – Windhoek Observer

01 Sep

A third of the Namibian population faces starvation

ObserverMainA third of the Namibian population faces starvation

Niël Terblanché The Namibian government will spend N$892.4 million on a food relief program, agricultural support, and water provision to prevent the starvation of a third of Namibia’s population. During the introduction of the latest Namibia Livelihood Vulnerability Assessment and Analysis (VAA) 2023/24 Report, which was compiled by the Executive Director within the Office of the Prime Minister, I-Ben Nantangwe Nashandi, it came to light that the number of people that will face food insecurity will rise to 695 000 in the next six to seven months. This is a significant increase from the current estimate of 579 000 people…

31 Aug

High mineral prices drive port volumes

ObserverObserver MoneyHigh mineral prices drive port volumes

The Namibian Ports Authority says the mineral commodities are a key driver of Namibian ports cargo volumes. There is a high correlation between global commodity prices and cargo movement through the port, the Authority stated. It stated that where the commodity prices are favourable, it drives increased mining activities and an uptick in volumes throughput through the ports supporting these activities. Commenting on the minerals that are exported via Walvis Bay, the Authority, said in 2022, the copper price increased by 17.8% to an average of US$9,985 per metric tonnes during the first quarter of 2022. The increase was due…

31 Aug

Namibian uranium to drive energy transition

ObserverObserver Money

Uranium extracted and processed at the Langer Heinrich Mine (LHM) in Namibia’s Erongo Region will be harnessed to supply nuclear power plants, propelling the global shift towards a sustainable, carbon-free energy future. The mine is slated to recommence operations in the coming year. Paladin Energy, the owner of LHM, has stated that at peak output, the mine will annually yield sufficient uranium fuel to sustain over ten 1,000 MWe (Megawatt Electrical) nuclear power plants. Over the mine’s operational lifespan, attaining equivalent power through coal-fired electricity would result in an annual average of 58 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. This…

31 Aug

Husab mine foresees a lifespan of 20 Years

ObserverObserver MoneyHusab mine foresees a lifespan of 20 Years

Situated in the Erongo Region, the Husab mine stands as the second-largest uranium mine, boasting a staggering investment of US$5 billion, and it holds the potential to remain operational for over two decades. During the first half of the current year, uranium production at Swakop Uranium’s Husab Mine surged by 10% compared to the budgeted commitment. Tallying at 2426 tonnes, the uranium production for the first half of 2023 marked a remarkable 45% upturn from the same period in 2022. This significant enhancement in uranium production can be attributed to the robust performance in mining and milling witnessed so far…

31 Aug

Mining to focus on sustainable supply

ObserverObserver MoneyMining Expo and Conference, Mining to focus on sustainable supply

The 10th Mining Expo and Conference that will take place this week will be the platform that brings Namibia’s mining sector closer to the heart of the nation, its people, the Chamber of Mines of Namibia said. The Expo and Conference Scheduled to take place on the 30th and 31st of August, reflecting the industry’s commitment to openly engage all stakeholders. RMB is the anchor sponsor for the event, the with the secondary sponsors, Continental Lithium Africa and Andrada Mining. The theme for this year’s conference, “Namibia’s Role in the Sustainable Supply of Minerals to Support the Global Energy Transition,”…

31 Aug

Billions budgeted for upgrade of Telecom infrastructure

ObserverNational NewsBillions budgeted for upgradeof Telecom infrastructure, Stanley Shanapinda

Stefanus Nashama Telecom Namibia has revealed its plans to invest N$2.3 billion in the upgrading and replacing of the company’s ageing infrastructure over the next five years, to improve and maintain its service delivery to clients. Telecom Namibia Chief Executive Officer, Stanley Shanapinda, made the revelations this week during an interview with Windhoek Observer. According to Shanapinda, the money would be spent through the rollout of fibre, replacing the Fixed Mobile Convergence Core, Operations Support Systems, Business Support System and mobile expansion. He said the company is obliged to invest 15 percent of its revenue in capital projects to maintain…

31 Aug

Vandals destroy TransNamib infrastructure in the South

ObserverNational NewsStanding Committee on Economics and Public Administration, Vandals destroy TransNamib infrastructure in the South

Hertta-Maria Amutenja TransNamib, the national railway company, finds itself grappling with a surge in vandalism and significant infrastructural damage that has taken a toll on the country’s vital railway networks in the southern regions. While engaging TransNamib staff, Members of Parliament on the Standing Committee on Economics and Public Administration have been briefed on the daunting task of maintaining rail infrastructure that is persistently subjected to severe damage and vandalism in areas like Luderitz and Keetmanshoop. In a resolute effort to revitalize Namibia’s railway sector, the Standing Committee has embarked on a series of onsite visits to Luderitz and Keetmanshoop…

31 Aug

WHO Secretary-General engages in bilateral talks during Namibian visit

ObserverNational NewsDr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Secretary-General engages in bilateral talks during Namibian visit

Niël Terblanché Namibia on Wednesday welcomed the Secretary General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, on a consequential two-day visit. At the start of the visit, Dr Ghebreyesus paid a courtesy call to President Hage Geingob at State House. President Geingob commended the WHO’s commitment to global health concerns and acknowledged Dr Ghebreyesus’s exceptional leadership within the organisation. The visit is characterised by a series of significant engagements with top officials, aimed at reinforcing collaborative efforts in tackling global health challenges and celebrating Namibia’s achievements in healthcare advancements. Dr Ghebreyesus praised President Geingob’s steadfast leadership and…

31 Aug

Proposed bills threaten privacy rights

ObserverNational NewsProposed bills threaten privacy rights

Niël Terblanché Namibia is currently grappling with a concerning predicament because bills aimed at intensifying the monitoring of digital communications are in the works and will give various authorities unprecedented access to private correspondence. A recent analysis of these proposed bills by the Economic Policy Research Association (ERPA) has shed light on the potential implications, raising alarm bells about the erosion of constitutional rights and personal privacy. ERPA, in an exhaustive examination of the forthcoming bills, has voiced apprehensions about the trajectory the nation might take. One of the primary concerns highlighted in the ERPA report is that heightened surveillance…

31 Aug

NAMCOL opens criminal case againstformer employee over missing funds

ObserverNational NewsNAMCOL Chief Executive Officer, Open Learning (NAMCOL)

Stefanus Nashama Namibian College of Open Learning (NAMCOL), has opened a criminal case with the Namibian Police against one of former employees over N$305,770.00 that went missing from the institution. Last week, Windhoek Observer reported that NAMCOL Chief Executive Officer, Heroldt Murangi, admitted to an ongoing internal investigation of misappropriated funds at the institution, and promised to provide a full report on the matter. However, yesterday NAMCOL Public Relations Officer, Laimi Mbago, issued a statement saying that a criminal case has been opened with the Police, which is evidence of NAMCOL’s commitment to upholding zero-tolerance for theft, fraud and corruption.…