Windhoek Observer – Page 714 – Windhoek Observer

13 Nov

Cabinet approves revised national housing policy and implementation action plan

National News

Martin Endjala The Cabinet has approved the revised National Housing Policy and Implementation Action Plan and related estimated financial implications to enable improved access to housing, and inclusive and sustainable economic development. This was announced last week Thursday by the Cabinet spokesperson and Information Communications and Technology Minister Peya Mushelenga, following the Cabinet Decision during its 19th Decision-making meeting on 7 November 2023 in Windhoek. Mushelenge said that the cabinet further endorsed the mechanisms contained in the revised policy to ensure the optimal attainment of its objectives. These mechanisms have a special focus on nationwide upgrading of informal settlements and…

13 Nov

Paratus secures funding for a new data centre in Africa

National NewsParatus secures funding for a new data centre in Africa

Staff Writer Namibian-owned Pan-African firm Paratus has secured a major debt facility to accelerate the company’s growth in digital infrastructure across Africa. Paratus has obtained a N600 million debt facility from the Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund (EAIF), a member of the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG), and its fund manager, Ninety One. The financial injection is earmarked for expanding Paratus’ fibre and data centre operations over the next three years. The funds are set to facilitate the construction of a state-of-the-art 10MW data centre in Angola. Additionally, they will support the development of three new fibre routes, connecting strategic locations…

13 Nov

Geingob remembers Doëseb as a patriot, hero, and Swapo cadre

National Newsand Swapo cadre, Geingob remembers Doëseb as a patriot, hero

Stefanus Nashama Hage Geingob, the Head of State and President of Namibia, fondly remembers the late Axali Jakobus Doëseb as a patriot, hero, and dedicated Swapo cadre who used his musical talents to contribute to the cause of self-determination and freedom for Namibia. During a speech delivered at the state memorial service held last week in Windhoek, President Geingob highlighted that Doëseb’s calling in life was not to be a soldier on the battlefield, a diplomat, or a skilled politician. Instead, his true calling lay in the world of arts, particularly in music. Geingob praised Doëseb as a master craftsman…

13 Nov

Lack of service delivery in local authorities highly unacceptable -Ndaitwah

MainLack of service delivery in local authorities highly unacceptable -Ndaitwah

Hertta-Maria Amutenja SWAPO Party Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah issued a call to action, urging party officials who serve at Local Authorities, including the City of Windhoek, to become more active and effective in addressing issues that significantly impact the lives of citizens. “Therefore, comrades, a lack of service delivery within the Local Authorities and all government structures is highly unacceptable. The lengthy bureaucratic processes that impede service delivery to the people need serious review,” she emphasized during the weekend’s party rally in Windhoek. Nandi-Ndaitwah stressed the urgency of addressing bureaucratic processes that hinder efficient service delivery, asserting, “The lengthy bureaucratic…

10 Nov

Shell pumps N$4.6 billion offshore Namibia

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira Shell plc, which has already discovered oil offshore Namibia plans to spend N$4.6 billion on drilling two more wells in the next nine months. CEO Wael Sawan told the company’s investors that Namibia has shown potential for a new oil basin. Shell, TotalEnergies and government owned oil company, Namcor have announced a number of discoveries of oil offshore Namibia recently. The discoveries were made in the Oranje Basin that is shared with South Africa. Shell has made four significant discoveries in Namibia to date: Graff, La Rona, Lesedi and Jonker. The oil discovery is expected to create around…

10 Nov

Diamond prices show moderate decline

Observer Money

Diamond prices showed a more moderate decline in October amid holiday demand and a reduction in rough supply. The RapNet Diamond Index (RAPI™) for 1-carat diamonds fell 2.2 percent, less than September’s 5.2 percent slump. The index for 0.30 carats dropped by 1.6 percent, 0.50 carats by 1.3 percent, and 3 carats by 0.4 percent. Prices for rounds showed positive trends following a year of declines. RAPI for 1-carat stones gained 0.1 percent between 24 October 24 and 1 November. While the index for 0.30-carat goods slipped 0.1 percent, that of 0.50-carat diamonds — the weakest category since the start…

10 Nov

An exclusive Interview with Joanitha Lorraine Gowases General Coordinator at COSAFA/FA GC

SportsAn exclusive Interview with Joanitha Lorraine Gowases General Coordinator at COSAFA/FA GC

Name : Joanitha Lorraine GowasesDate of Birth : 08 FebruaryPlace of Birth : WindhoekPosition : General CoordinatorOrganization : COSAFA/FA GC You have been involved in the game of football for a very long time, since when the then Namibia premier league was running at the Nictus Building. Over the years you have held different positions, how did it all start?It true I have been involved in football for along as I can remember. All I know is that from a very early age I wanted to be involved in doing administration work from a very early age. All I can…

10 Nov

Namibia produces more than 1.3 million tons of salt

Observer Money

The first World Salt Conference to take place in Africa was held in Swakopmund. The conference, saw delegates discuss the latest market trends and developments in the salt industry. The meeting was attended by more than 150 delegates from around the world, including representatives of salt mines, salt producers, logistics and shipping companies, engineering companies, and equipment suppliers. Andre Snyman, Managing Director of Walvis Bay Salt Holdings (Pty) Ltd, spoke to Observer Money about the Salt Conference, salt exports and trends in the industry. Walvis Bay Salt Holdings is the largest producer of solar sea salt in sub-Saharan Africa. The…

10 Nov

Katima railway deemed viable

Observer Money

Chamwe Kaira The proposed extension of the country’s railway line from Grootfontein to Katima Mulilo has been deemed visible by the final feasibility study report, which was recently approved by Cabinet. According to the report prepared by MR Technofin Consultants Ltd of Canada, the Zambezi Extension Railway is viable from a technical, environmental, legal, financial, and economic standpoint. The railway line is expected to connect to Zambia’s and Botswana’s rail network, thereby providing direct access to regional railway traffic to the Walvis Bay Port. The Walvis Bay Corridor Group, said in the 2022/23 financial year that corridor cargo volumes entering…

10 Nov

Trade deficit to linger on

Observer Money

The trade balance for Namibia is anticipated to maintain its persistent deficit. Namibia's current account maintains a deficit position, with a trade balance of N$3.3 billion, widened by 28.2 percent year on year in September. This underscores the ongoing trend of a persistent net financial outflow within the country's economic landscape, according to a report by Simonis Storm. The wider trade deficit was driven by a combination of lower trade volumes and import earnings outweighing export earnings, the report said. Exports amounting to N$7.8 million while the import bill was N$11.1 million in September. Namibia's status as a net importer…