Blog – Page 778 – Windhoek Observer

28 Jan

Nuclear science can fight climate change- Dr Schneider

ObserverUncategorisedclimate change, Dr Schneider, Nuclear science

Francis Lungu AS most African countries continue to grapple with the effects of climate change such as extreme weather conditions resulting in floods and droughts, which in turn affects food and drinking water security, nuclear science can play a critical role to avert the situation. Namibian Uranium Institute (NUI) Director Dr Gabi Schneider said in an interview that the utilization of nuclear science in developing technologies of drought-resistant crops and the identification of new groundwater resources can effectively address the pangs of climate change. “However, it has also become clear that if the World wants to achieve the goals set…

28 Jan

Agribusdev investigation report out next month

ObserverUncategorisedAgribusdev investigation report, Leon Jooste, Petrus Uugwanga

Maria Hamutenya The Public Enterprise ministry is next month set to release the long awaited report into its investigations into the operations Agricultural Business Development Agency (Agribusdev) including its late Managing Director, Petrus Uugwanga. The investigation which was commissioned last year, came after the government owned agency had been embroiled in various scandals, including alleged questionable acquisitions of materials such as fertilizers for its green schemes and the recruitment of the South African consultant who was believed to be close to Uugwanga. Public Enterprise Minister Leon Jooste confirmed to the Windhoek Observer that his ministry had been presented with a…

28 Jan

Pressure mounts on Swapo

ObserverUncategorisedfishrot, Manuel Ngaringombe, Pendukeni Ivula-Ithana, Sisa Namandje

Andrew Kathindi Calls continue to mount for Swapo to again clarify its involvement into the Fishrot saga after lawyer Sisa Namandje damning allegations contained in an affidavit presented to the Anti-Corruption Commission that he had made payments to the ruling party from funds allegedly illegally funneled out of Fishcor. Despite the party having previously denied its involvement, its deafening silence over the recent revelations have raised concern among its rank and file and the official opposition party. Popular Democratic Movement Secretary General, Manuel Ngaringombe challenged Swapo to address the allegations. “PDM challenges SWAPO to come clean on Fishrot, and for…

27 Jan

The types of chicken production systems

ObserverUncategorisedchicken, Farming

Hanks Saisai Farming is an activity that primarily focuses on the production of food and fiber inclusive of commodities such as wool and cotton for example. In Namibia, chicken farming is an emerging venture that is on the rise with a focus on producing table eggs and meat to supplement the daily protein needs of many households. For one to farm successfully with chickens for either egg production (layers) or meat (broilers), it is of great importance to implement a certain production system. By definition, a chicken production system is the way or method in which chickens are kept and…

27 Jan

Schools get N$70m for sanitisers

ObserverObserver MoneyCovid-19, Executive Director, Sanet Steenkamp

Maria Hamutenya Public and private schools have benefited from N$70 million availed by the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture for the acquisition of sanitisers ahead of school opening this week, Executive Director, Sanet Steenkamp has revealed. N$14 million was availed to private schools last December as a once-off grant, with N$56 million dispersed to the ministry’s regional offices this year to assist public schools in implementing COVID-19 measures. “Almost N$ 70 million was allocated by the Ministry of Education to different schools to help fight the spread of Covid-19,” Steenkamp said. The ministry will, however, no longer avail masks…

27 Jan

Healthcare workers threaten strike

ObserverObserver MoneyHealth Minister, Kalumbi Shangula, PSUN Secretary General, Ujama Kaahangoro

Andrew Kathindi The Public Service Union of Namibia (PSUN) has threatened to rally healthcare workers this Thursday (28 January) to leave their work until the matter of risk allowance is resolved. Health minister, Kalumbi Shangula, earlier this month revealed that over 1300 healthcare workers have been infected by COVID-19, with six deaths from the sector. “Healthcare workers were also forced to perform duties without the necessary personal protective equipment (PPEs). If the government is not recognising them, why should they have to avail themselves and to risk their lives any further? And that is what we are going to do.…

26 Jan

Land issues in 2021 will no longer wait

ObserverNational NewsNamibia

The time to get something going on land redistribution and land reform is now. 2021 is the time for the new normal. The same old meetings, platitudes and fake solutions are bankrupt. The people who want land for themselves (there is little concern about a national policy) are tired of waiting. Decision-makers must think about land reform differently and begin to enact even partial solutions, now. Land grabbing cannot be allowed. Forced redistribution of private land owned by others even with the compensation offered, is illegal in most cases. It is unpolitic to make these statements bluntly, but it must…

26 Jan

A year required for Windhoek land resolution

ObserverObserver MoneyPopular Democratic Movement (PDM)

Maria Hamutenya The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) says the newly installed City of Windhoek Council councillors required between six months to a year for them to deliver on promises made to the voting populace regarding land and service delivery in the capital. PDM Secretary-General Manuel Ngaringombe said the coalition partners just won the opportunity to rule the City of Windhoek two months ago. As such they should be given more time to discuss the way forward and find viable solutions and the resources to finance them. “Give these people a chance to deliver, at least six to 12 months, if…

26 Jan

Govt ponders fishing quota auction decision …as committee drags its feet

ObserverObserver MoneyFinance Minister Iipumbu Shiimi, Finance Ministry Spokesperson Tonateni Shidhudhu

Andrew Kathindi Government is pondering its next move with regards to the auctioning of its governmental fishing quotas after a paltry return and disorganized process in the previous effort held in August last year. This comes after the technical committee, which was set up by Finance Minister Iipumbu Shiimi, to guide the government on the possibility of future auctions, is still to offer its recommendation. The committee has not presented its findings nearly a month after the start of the horse mackerel season and three months after the start of the hake fishing season. “The technical committee is still finalizing…

23 Jan

Confessions of a couch kitten: Anxiety tips & tricks for 2021

ObserverUncategorisedAnxiety tips & tricks for 2021

Khanyiswa Mogotsi We are in the first month of the new year and I have already experienced two anxiety attacks and I know for certain that I cannot be the only person with very shaky mental stability this early in the year. To be fair, this year started with quite a bang with talks of a civil war ready to break out, Kim and Kanye getting ready for a divorce, and me potentially coming out to my parents that the fact that I have only managed two anxiety attacks almost leaves me shocked. I am not the only person facing…