Windhoek Observer – Page 574 – Windhoek Observer

01 May

Unchecked market dominance impedes competition – CRAN

National News

Martin Endjala The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), says unchecked market dominance could impede competition, stifle innovation and limit consumer choice. CRAN chief executive officer, Emilia Nghikembua, said this during a public discussion on the impact of market dominance on various aspects of the telecom industry. The discussion was held in Windhoek recently. "Market dominance isn't just a theoretical concern; its real-world consequences can be felt by consumers through restricted choices, higher prices, and lower service quality. By actively monitoring and regulating market dynamics. Nghikembua added that CRAN is addressing these issues, with the aim of fostering a more…

01 May

Integrated food system project launched to boost agriculture

National News

Niël Terblanché In an exciting development for Namibia's agricultural sector, the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR), in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP) and other partners, launched the Bernafay Farm Integrated Food System Project. The initiative was inaugurated on 30 April by Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata, the executive director of MAWLR, at the Bernafay Resettlement Farm just outside Stampriet in the Hardap Region. The project, which represents a significant investment of nearly N$1.4 million, aims to revitalize local agriculture through the development of an orchard with over 200 fruit trees, alongside expansions into horticulture and lucerne production. “This…

01 May

Namibia aims to strengthen tourist safety campaign

National News

Niël Terblanché The devastating bus accident on the C214 Road between Walvis Bay and the Kuiseb River Canyon last Wednesday that resulted in the deaths of two Portuguese tourists and left several others injured has cast a new light on the need for a comprehensive campaign to ensure the safety of tourists. Pohamba Shifeta, the Minister of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism, expressed his deep regret over the incident. "This accident is both regrettable and unfortunate, and we are deeply saddened by the loss of life," he said in a statement. He stated that the Namibian government is committed to ensuring…

01 May

Police warn against forgery of academic documents

National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Namibian Police have issued a warning against the forgery of academic documents. The spokesperson for the Namibian Police, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, issued the warning after the arrest of a cadet constable on Monday at the Ruben Danger Ashipala Police Training Centre in the Oshana Region. “Forgery and uttering are criminal offences, and therefore applicants to whatever position in the public service should desist from forging documents because it is a criminal offence. Once detected, the law applies accordingly. This is how serious it is. Hence, the charging of the cadet constable,” said Shikwambi. Yule Nashidhiga (28)…

01 May

Mariental Municipality suspends water for gardens

Featured

Martin Endjala The Mariental Municipality has suspended the supply of garden water (semi-reticulated water), as of 30 April until further notice. According to the municipality chief executive officer, Paul Nghiwilepo, the suspension of supply of unpurified water is due to the low level of the Hardap Dam, which currently stands at 12.3% as of 22 April. In a telephonic interview on Tuesday, Nghiwilepo said the decision to suspend the supply of garden water, was to preserve the supply of purified water for human consumption. "Unlike other towns, Mariental has a dual system of water. In some of the properties or…

01 May

Proposed National Minimum Wage Bill to be submitted to Cabinet next week

National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation, Utoni Nujoma, said the proposed National Minimum Wage Bill will be submitted to Cabinet next week. He said the bill is intended to come into effect later this year. Nujoma was speaking on Workers' Day at Rundu sports stadium in the Kavango East region on Wednesday. He said other labour and employment bills that will be introduced this year are the Occupational Safety and Health Bill, the Compensation for Work-related Accidents and Diseases Bill, and amendments to the Employment Services Act, the Affirmative Act (Employment) Act, and the Social…

01 May

MUN president digs in heels

National News

Ester Mbathera Ismael Kasuto, the president of the Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN), and his deputy Densley Somseb are refusing to vacate their respective positions in the union. On Monday, the two of them, along with two other leaders, Abraham Baisako and Delila Tsibes, issued a statement, in which they claim that they received information that the group that removed them, is trying to take over the union. They claim that the group wants to block them from carrying out a forensic audit of the union’s finances. They stated that the decision to release the financial report was one of…

01 May

Workers don’t understand nor appreciate labour union memberships – Nujoma

National News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation Utoni Nujoma believes that many workers in Namibia today don’t understand or appreciate adequately how trade union membership can benefit them. According to him, those who are not members have negative attitudes toward trade unions. The minister spoke on Wednesday, at the Workers' Day celebrations in Rundu in the Kavango East region. ‘’We must work hard to demonstrate the positive value of trade union membership. I also encourage you to consider multi-media strategies to publicise workers' gains through your affiliate unions and keep trade union activities and views in the…

01 May

Workers play a critical role in Namibia’s future prosperity

Main

Niël Terblanché On Workers' Day, President Nangolo Mbumba and Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila honoured Namibian workers, celebrating their indispensable role in nation-building and the pursuit of socio-economic growth. In his message to the nation, President Mbumba stressed the critical role workers play in driving Namibia's development trajectory towards a prosperous future. This year’s commemoration was presented under the theme "Namibian Workers United for Economic Growth and Development and the President added that it has a significant role to play in the Year of Expectations. President Mbumba acknowledged the sacrifices and contributions of workers. "Without workers, there can be no construction,…

30 Apr

Redforce tender allocation under investigation

National NewsRedForce Debt Management CC's

Ester Mbathera The Municipality of Walvis has launched an investigation into RedForce Debt Management CC's tender allocation process. This move comes after the council's decision to terminate the debt collector's services due to allegations of impropriety in the procurement process. Richard Metcalfe, the municipality's lawyer, said in a media statement on Tuesday that investigations will examine the procurement process as well as the customs documentation, contracts, and schedules of the agreement. "We will institute the necessary civil and criminal proceedings in the event of any impropriety," he said. The municipal council unanimously decided last week to terminate the services of…