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Seven Merlus Fishing workers hospitalised after ammonia inhalation

Seven Merlus Fishing workers hospitalised after ammonia inhalation

Ester Mbathera Seven workers from Merlus Fishing were hospitalised on Wednesday morning after inhaling ammonia gas at the company’s factory in Walvis Bay. Seventeen others received medical treatment at a local hospital and were discharged. Merlus Fishing’s management chairperson, Stanley Katzao told the Windhoek Observer that none of the affected workers were in a life-threatening condition. “We deploy best practices in occupational health and that's why we acted swiftly and decisively when we immediately became aware of the incident,” he said. Katzao explained that the ammonia gas originated from a crab vessel operated by Russian nationals, docked at Perreira Fishing,…
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Ongwediva Town Council urges residents to refrain from illegal land occupation

Ongwediva Town Council urges residents to refrain from illegal land occupation

Allexer Namundjembo The Ongwediva Town Council has called on residents to refrain from occupying land illegally. In an interview with the Windhoek Observer, town spokesperson Otilie Shingenge revealed that the local authority has identified several illegal shacks in the Omatando area. She cautioned residents against unlawful land occupation to avoid penalties or the risk of losing their properties. "The Council's process involves notifying the owner through markings on the shack, giving them seven days to remove it. If the owner fails to do so, the Council, empowered by the Town Planning Scheme, is authorized to remove the shack. I don't…
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Divundu Council criticised for slow development

Divundu Council criticised for slow development

Martin Endjala A community leader from the Ndongo village, Martin Maghano has criticised the Divundu Village Council for failing to bring essential services closer to the people. He expressed disappointment over the lack of notable progress since the establishment of Divundu's village council seven years ago. “There is only one road and a mini-mall with a few shops,” he said. Divundu has a mall owned by Chinese businesswoman Stina Wu, which houses a supermarket, a furniture store, a stationery shop, and several clothing shops. The village also has a Metro wholesaler, a building warehouse, and a Shoprite that is expected…
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Uganda to learn about sustainable charcoal production from Namibia

Uganda to learn about sustainable charcoal production from Namibia

Niël Terblanché By adopting sustainable methods, Uganda hopes to learn from Namibia to balance the demand for charcoal with the imperative of environmental conservation, ensuring that the sector contributes to the country's economic development without compromising its natural resources. In a bid to address the environmental challenges posed by traditional charcoal production, the Ugandan government, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), has initiated the "Forest Management and Sustainable Charcoal Value Chain in Uganda" project. As part of this endeavour, FAO Uganda and FAO Namibia have organised a five-day study visit to Namibia. According…
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Good rains forecast to continue until March

Good rains forecast to continue until March

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The current rate of rainfall across Namibia will continue at the same pace until March according to a forecast by the Namibia Meteorological Service. Beata Iipinge, a meteorological technician at the service, told the Windhoek Observer on Wednesday that their weather forecast conducted in late December indicates normal rainfall throughout January, February, and March. “The prediction shows normal rainfall for the entire country throughout those months, but things can still change depending on various factors affecting the weather,” said Iipinge. Namwater spokesperson Lot Ndamanomhata said that the water level in major dams across the country keeps rising. This,…
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City of Windhoek urged to relocate all flood-risk residents

City of Windhoek urged to relocate all flood-risk residents

Stefanus Nashama The Katutura Residents Committee (KRC) has called on the City of Windhoek (CoW) to take immediate action and relocate all residents in high-risk flood zones within the Katutura area. In a letter addressed to CoW's chief executive officer, Moses Matyayi, on Sunday, the committee spokesperson, Shaun Gariseb, urged for urgent consideration of relocating people who reside in flood-prone areas. Gariseb highlighted several areas at risk, including Namibia Primary School in Marula/Rykmansdorp, Soder Water in Shandumbala, the Herero location at the intersection of Mungunda and August Tjaapa streets, and the Eiland location. He stressed that many of the residents…
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‘Chinese respiratory infection is no cause for alarm in Namibia’ – Nangombe

‘Chinese respiratory infection is no cause for alarm in Namibia’ – Nangombe

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) has reassured the public that the increase in acute respiratory infections caused by the Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) in the northern provinces of the People's Republic of China is not a cause for alarm. This was said by Ben Nangombe, the executive director of the health ministry, in a statement on Wednesday. “The observed increase in cases of respiratory infections in China and other countries in the Northern Hemisphere is an expected phenomenon around this time of the year due to winter weather conditions,” Nangombe explained. Nangombe assured Namibians that the…
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Sustainable use of Namibia’s natural resources is key in ensuring future generations prosperity”

Wayambekange N Hamufenhu It is our resources, Our Ocean, Our wildlife, Our Minerals, Our Forests – yes, they belong to us as Namibians. However, while using them, we should think about the generations to come As Namibia enters 2025, the nation stands at a pivotal moment in shaping the future of its natural resources and environment. Our beautiful country is rich in biodiversity and endowed with abundant resources, from vibrant oceans teeming with marine life to vast mineral wealth, lush forests, and diverse wildlife that thrive in our ecosystem. Namibia’s natural resources are not only the backbone of its economy…
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Fueling Growth Through Namibia’s Creative Industry

Fueling Growth Through Namibia’s Creative Industry

Mirjam Shihepo By the title, I encourage you not to yawn just yet. I stand in the gap of those who have explored this topic before me. Their perspectives paved the way, and it is my intention to contribute to the evolving dialogue. Not long ago, the Ministry of Information, Communication, and Technology (MICT) hosted a summit under the theme: "Building Resilience to Adapt or Die in the Era of Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence." This was not just a summit—it served as a wake-up call to businesses and professionals across Namibian industries. Adapting to change means stepping outside comfort…
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Racing to support local cardiac care for children

Racing to support local cardiac care for children

Mallex Shipanga Namibian Traders, a cycling and running apparel store, will host a charity walk, run, and cycle event on 1 February in Windhoek to raise awareness for congenital heart disease and support children affected by the condition. Proceeds from the event will go towards supporting life-saving surgeries performed locally at the Windhoek State Hospital’s cardiac unit. Founder Hetty Nelumbu explained that the monthly charity races, started in February last year, benefit the Namibian National Children's Heart Trust. “This organisation has been instrumental in transforming the lives of children born with congenital heart conditions by providing life-saving surgeries. In the…
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