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Water supply to Swakopmund normalises

Water supply to Swakopmund normalises

Niël Terblanché The planned maintenance shutdown for the service and repair of the Erongo Desalination Plant (EDP) has been successfully concluded. According to Christine de Klerk, the spokesperson for Orano, which operates the EDP, water production resumed early on Saturday morning. Since then, the plant has already produced more than 40 000 cubic metres of fresh water. “An unexpected pipeline breakage between Swakopmund and the Omdel aquifer, unfortunately, occurred while the desalination plant was offline for repairs and maintenance. This resulted in the water supply to Swakopmund being reduced to a bare minimum,” De Klerk said. She added that, with…
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Over 3 000 police officers receive ranks and promotions

Over 3 000 police officers receive ranks and promotions

Niël Terblanché The commitment to excellence, discipline, and service to the nation of officers of the Namibian Police was rewarded with ranks and promotions at a special parade at the Israel Patrick Iyambo Police College in Windhoek on Monday. Nearly 3 000 officers received their promotions and ranks during the parade. The promotions, which became effective on 1 November, saw 2 990 officers promoted. Of this number 1 342 are women and 1 648 men. The Inspector General of the Namibian Police, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo presided over the event, where the commitment and dedication of the nation’s law enforcement…
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Walvis Bay stinks

Walvis Bay stinks

Mallex Shipanga Sewage water has flooded the streets of the Kuisebmund residential area in Walvis Bay. This is particularly evident at the intersection of David Hambunda Street and Nathanael Maxuilili Street, which are the streets directly opposite the Kuisebmund stadium. Kuisebmund resident, Efraim Nanghama took to social media complaining about the sewage floods. “The place is overpopulated. We now have 100 000 residents living in Kuisebmund. A house that was made to accommodate one family now has 20 shacks. That's why we have this kind of problem,” Nanghama said. The Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) in its 2023 Population and Housing…
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Ongwediva town council cautions against occupation in flood-prone areas

Allexer Namundjembo The Ongwediva Town Council warned residents not to occupy land in flood-prone, low-lying areas. The local authority’s spokesperson, Otilie Shingenge, on Monday, told the Windhoek Observer in an interview that the council is ready to assist those who are at risk of being impacted by floods during the rainy season. “Our engineers are experienced, and we try not to allocate land in areas where floods can occur. Despite our efforts, people still take risks and grab land to build their houses in places where floods can easily occur and later come to the council asking for help,” Shingenge…
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Government seeks leave to appeal red line case

Government seeks leave to appeal red line case

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Ministry of Agriculture, the Government of Namibia, the attorney general, and Hango Nambinga have applied for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Namibia. The High Court issued two judgments on 5 September 2023 and 25 October 2024, and a specific portion of the order on 25 October 2024, in response to Job Amupanda's challenge to the veterinary cordon fence, also known as the "red line." The applicants argue that the High Court made several legal and factual errors in a notice they filed with the court on November 15. "The court erred in finding that…
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New immigration facilities in augurated in the Zambezi region

New immigration facilities in augurated in the Zambezi region

Niël Terblanché The Namibian government officially inaugurated new state-of-the-art immigration offices and staff accommodation at the Impalila and Kasika border posts in the Zambezi region on Friday. Speaking at the event, the minister of home affairs, immigration, safety and security, Dr Albert Kawana, reiterated the strategic importance of the new facilities. "These areas fall under the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA) which is a tourist hub of Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Angola. The facilities represent Namibia's response to the commitment made by leaders of these countries to promote tourism and build infrastructure," he said. According to Kawana, the new…
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NamPol ready to ensure safe and secure elections

NamPol ready to ensure safe and secure elections

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Police has reaffirmed its readiness to ensure a peaceful and secure environment during the upcoming Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for Wednesday. At a media briefing in Windhoek on behalf of the Inspector General, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo on Friday, Major General Elias Mutota outlined the comprehensive measures the security cluster has implemented to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and safeguard public safety. "The Namibian Police will create a safe, secure, and peaceful environment during these elections," Mutota said. He assured the nation that NamPol, in collaboration with the Electoral Commission of Namibia…
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ECN intent on delivering free and fair elections

ECN intent on delivering free and fair elections

Niël Terblanché The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) reiterated its commitment to delivering credible, free, and fair elections as the nation prepares for its Presidential and National Assembly Elections later this week. The ECN’s chairperson, Dr Elsie Nghikembua, during a briefing to international observer missions, diplomatic representatives, and media on Friday, stressed the importance of collaboration and transparency in safeguarding democratic values. Dr. Nghikembua welcomed observers and said they play a key role in enhancing the electoral process. "Your presence is not only an encouragement to the ECN but also to all electoral stakeholders. You bring expertise, values of impartiality,…
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Mukwiilongo and Amushelelo attend IPC rally

Mukwiilongo and Amushelelo attend IPC rally

Stefanus Nashama The leader of the Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF), Epafras Mukwiilongo, and Michael Amushelelo made a surprise appearance at the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) rally at the Okandjengedi location in Oshakati on Sunday. The rally was addressed by the IPC’s leader, Panduleni Itula and the final “Go Out and Vote” campaign event. Mukwiilongo, who is also in the race for the presidency, said they attended to show solidarity with IPC members and demonstrate unity. “We came to greet and support the chief patriot. We are all one,” he said. Mukwillongo observed that political parties have turned into…
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Trainee polling officials threaten to derail elections

Trainee polling officials threaten to derail elections

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Electoral Commission of Namibia’s (ECN) chief electoral and referenda officer, Peter Shaama, assured the public that the national elections that are set for Wednesday will go ahead as planned, even though some polling officials are threatening to derail it because of a payment dispute. This comes after some polling officials, who are currently undergoing training in Rundu, threatened to abandon the training, return to their houses and not work on election day. They demanded an increase to their daily allowance from the current N$150 to N$300 per day. On Sunday, ECN Regional Electoral Officer of the Kavango…
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