Blog – Page 677 – Windhoek Observer

31 Aug

NamPower starts 287km transmission line

ObserverObserver Money, UncategorisedGridOnline, NamPower

Staff Writer THE country’s power utility, NamPower, has started constructing a 287km long 400 kV Auas-Gerus transmission line. This is part of the N$3,5 billion 833 kilometre expansion programme involving three projects. The line to run from Auas substation near Dordabis to Gerus substation near Otjiwarongo, is part of the company’s investment in expanding its 400kV transmission infrastructure backbone, by more than 800 kilometres. “The construction of the transmission line is a testament of NamPower’s ambition to deliver sustainable security of supply and a least-cost tariff path that will support economic growth and maintain the company’s financial sustainability,” reads a…

27 Aug

NEEEF no panacea but promises an incremental socio-economic reform

ObserverUncategorisedNamibia, NEEEF

MID-TERM through his second and last term, the clock is no doubt ticking fast for incumbent President, His Excellency Hage Geingob, to establish a governance legacy, foremost for himself, and the country. After 30 years plus of independence, freedom and sovereignty, for any incumbent president the colonial legacy can no longer serve as an excuse for non-performance and non-delivery on the promises of independence. That is why the incumbent president is in the unenviable position that he can no longer hide behind the colonial legacy if unable to deliver. Thirty plus years is enough a time for the necessary foundation…

27 Aug

Shebeens – The weakest link?

ObserverUncategorisedCOVID, shebeens

The strength of any chain to protect the nation against the pandemic lies in its weakest link. The restrictive regulations on shebeens and bars vs. the lighter touch for restaurants, casinos, nightclubs and hotels are classist and ineffective in curbing the spread of the pandemic. Shebeens are banned from onsite alcohol sales because their clients supposedly have a higher risk of spreading Covid as they will not follow pandemic social gathering regulations. Restaurants, hotels, casinos, and nightclubs are permitted to consume alcohol on site, supposing they will follow social gathering regulations. We remain unconvinced that this assumption holds. We are…

27 Aug

KK not one for quiet diplomacy, Nujoma

ObserverObserver MoneyFounding President, Kazenambo Kazenambo, Sam Nujoma

Staff Writer Former Minister of Youth, National Service, Sport and Culture Kazenambo Kazenambo (KK), was one not for quiet diplomacy. Says Founding President, Sam Nujoma, in a tribute read on his behalf by Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Jenelly Matundu. Matundu read the tribute at the Parliament Gardens at memorial service in memory of KK in Windhoek on Friday afternoon. Nujoma described KK, as he was affectionately known, as “one of our fearless and formidable freedom fighters, whose illustrious military and political career speaks volume of his immense contribution to our country before and after independence”. Kazenambo died…

27 Aug

City demands apology over story

ObserverObserver MoneyWindhoek City Council

Staff Writer THE Windhoek City Council has dismissed as factually incorrect a story published by The Namibian last week concerning allowances for councilors demanding an apology. In a media release on 24 August by the Office of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Council is taking issue with an article titled “Fat salaries for city bosses”. The story alleges that Windhoek Mayor, Job Amupanda, is set to be paid a monthly allowance of more than N$70 000 – at least N$5 000 more than his predecessors. Amupanda will also be entitled to numerous perks, including an annual entertainment allowance of…

27 Aug

Ombudsman public interviews done and dusted

ObserverObserver MoneyOmbudsman, Supreme Court, Windhoek

Tujoromajo Kasuto The first ever public interviews in the history of the Office of the Judiciary were held today at the Supreme Court in Windhoek. The interviews were conducted by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). The shortlisted candidates vying for the position of Ombudsman are Secretary to the National Council, Tousy Namiseb; lawyer Ruth Herunga and Chief Legal Officer at the Law Reform and Development Commission, Basilius Dyakugha. Three candidates were shortlisted on 4 June from the four candidates who responded to the advertisement. The interviews are an initiative of the Judiciary to boost public trust in the Ombudsman to…

26 Aug

FlyWestair flies to Rundu, Katima Mulilo

ObserverUncategorisedFlyWestair, Katima Mulilo, Rundu

Staff Writer NAMIBIAN airline FlyWestair launched flights to two new destinations, Rundu and Katima Mulilo this week. Departing from Eros Airport in Windhoek, on 24 and 25 August, with inaugural flights for the media, these new scheduled routes connect Namibians and visitors between the capital and the north-eastern regions and beyond. “FlyWestair is a proudly Namibian privately owned airline, the first of its kind in Namibia. We are committed to providing an admirable travel experience with consistent on-time performance. “The opening up of these two new routes show our dedication to Namibia, to the travel and tourism industry, and we…

26 Aug

‘KK a messenger of good hope, reconciliation’

ObserverObserver MoneyKazenambo Kazenambo

Staff Writer NAMIBIANS from all walks of life, particularly politicians, have since the departure of Kazenambo Kazenambo (KK), been singing him praises. Among the first to express condolences to the family of KK (58) was President Hage Geingob who said the former Swapo MP will be remembered for his contributions towards the development of the country. “During this hour of sadness for the family, president Geingob extends sincere condolences to the family, comrades and friends,” the Presidency said in a short social media post. Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) leader, McHenry Venaani, also expressed sadness over the death of the former…

26 Aug

Napwu insists NBC marriage exists

ObserverObserver MoneyNamibia Public Workers Union (Napwu), Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), Petrus Nevonga

TUJOROMAJO KASUTO DESPITE the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) informing the Namibia Public Workers' Union (Napwu) that they had been stripped of bargaining rights at the state broadcaster, the union's Secretary General, Petrus Nevonga, is adamant that the status quo remains. “Our bargaining power is in force and we have not lost that at NBC,” says Nevonga refuting claims that the Union had lost 50 percent of its members at the broadcaster. “How authentic is the claim that the union has lost 50 percent of its members?” he asks. NBC Spokesperson, Umbi Karuaihe-Upi, says the broadcaster and Napwu signed a confidential…

24 Aug

Maamberua hopes for amicable resolution of Swanu chaos

ObserverObserver MoneyEvilastus Kaaronda, Former South West Africa National Union (Swanu) President, Rihupisa Kandando, Usutuaije Maamberua

Tujoromajo Kasuto Former South West Africa National Union (Swanu) President, Usutuaije Maamberua, wants the ongoing chaos wrapped up. “I just hope that it will be solved amicably as soon as possible, I am not there to judge anything as I am a retired politician, thus my only hope is that whatever may go astray, should be resolved amicably,” he tells Windhoek Observer. However, the party’s Secretary General, Evilastus Kaaronda, says they are now busy consulting lawyers to take the next legal step. “We had a meeting with our lawyers yesterday, and they are working [on] the papers to take the…