National News – Page 165 – Windhoek Observer

07 Mar

Hengari urges govt to consider funding bill for constituency development

ObserverNational Newshas proposed for the government to thoroughly consider the bill concerning funding for regional and constituency development., Inna Hengari, Popular Democratic Movement Parliamentarian

Stefanus Nashama Popular Democratic Movement Parliamentarian, Inna Hengari, has proposed for the government to thoroughly consider the bill concerning funding for regional and constituency development. The proposal is also directed to Erastus Uutoni, the Minister of Urban and Rural Development. Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, Hengari stressed the need to rectify the oversight regarding regional and constituency councillors, who are democratically elected by their constituents. “Regional and constituency councillors deserve a more significant role in the allocation of funds dedicated to development projects within their respective constituencies,” she said. Last month, Minister Uutoni introduced the regional and constituency development fund…

07 Mar

NCRST appoints National Space Science Council members

ObserverNational NewsNCRST appoints National Space Science Council members

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In a giant stride towards scientific and technological advancement, the National Commission on Research, Science, and Technology (NCRST) has established the National Space Science Council. Inaugurated this month, the council is poised to influence Namibia’s space science and technology landscape in the coming three years. Minister of Higher Education, Technology, and Innovation, Itah Kandjii-Murangi, underscored the council’s vital role, stating, “The National Space Science Council will serve as a catalyst for transformative change, driving progress and shaping the future of our nation and beyond.” The members are Colonel Peter Ndemuweda, who has been selected for his skills and…

07 Mar

Khomas Regional Council challenged by urbanisation

ObserverNational News

At the recent belated commemoration of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDRR) 2023, the Chairperson of the Khomas Regional Council, Shaalukeni John Moonde, highlighted the pressing challenge of urbanisation affecting the council’s ability to respond to disasters effectively. “The rapid influx of rural to urban migration not only hampers our ability to implement development programmes, but also affects our service delivery, such as access to clean water, sanitation, and emergency services,” he said. The councillor stressed that the vulnerable residents in informal settlements are most impacted by the lack of access to emergency services during disasters. In addition,…

06 Mar

NAMFISA awarded best Corporate Governance institution in Namibia

ObserverNational NewsNAMFISA awarded best Corporate Governance institution in Namibia

Martin Endjala Namibia Financial Institution Supervisory Authority (NAMFISA) has announced that it has been honoured with the prestigious Diamond Arrow Award by PMR. Africa where it is recognised as the top performer in two significant categories. The company was awarded the best annual report in the country for demonstrating exceptional managerial and corporate governance qualities in Namibia. The recognition is said to highlight the Authority’s commitment to transparency, ethical business practices, stakeholder engagement and operational excellence. NAMFISA’s Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Matomola, expressed gratitude to dedicated staff and key stakeholders for their invaluable contributions to NAMFISA. He emphasised the importance…

06 Mar

Smallholder farmers in drought-stricken areas receive assistance

ObserverNational Newsfollowing support from the government through funds sourced from the Green Climate Fund (GCF)in collaboration with the Environmental Investment Fund under the simplified approval process., Smallholder farmers living in regions under threatening climate conditions have received a boost

Martin Endjala Smallholder farmers living in regions under threatening climate conditions have received a boost, following support from the government through funds sourced from the Green Climate Fund (GCF)in collaboration with the Environmental Investment Fund under the simplified approval process. During the occasion of the handing over of 750 goats, and 300 energy-efficient stoves in the Kunene Region last week, Governor Marius Sheya said the government is vested with the responsibility of ensuring that there is a consistent balance between environmental protection and food production despite the challenges it faces. He said the government aims to enhance food and nutrition…

06 Mar

Uranium miner welcomes independent assessment of mining method

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché Headspring Investments, a subsidiary of Russian-owned Rosatom Uranium One, has declared its openness to constructive dialogue and its efforts to engage with all stakeholders. The company also acknowledged the need for a comprehensive independent assessment of facilities, processes, and technologies when implementing geological exploration projects in Namibia. These measures also include facilitating educational visits to In Situ Leaching (ISL) mining operations abroad to demonstrate their environmentally friendly practices. Earlier this week the Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Land Reform, Calle Schlettwein, took a firm stand against uranium exploration activities by Headspring Investments. Schlettwein’s stance is set against…

06 Mar

Fuel prices in Namibia hold steady despite global uncertainties

ObserverNational NewsFuel prices in Namibia hold steady despite global uncertainties

Niël Terblanché In the face of ongoing global market fluctuations, the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) of Namibia declared that fuel prices for both petrol and diesel will remain unchanged in March In a statement, the ministry said that despite experiencing a substantial under-recovery, calculated at 153 cents per litre for petrol and 114 cents and 106 cents per litre for 50ppm diesel and 10ppm diesel respectively, it opted to absorb these costs through the National Energy Fund (NEF). To manage the under-recoveries without adjusting pump prices, the Ministry has raised the National Energy Fund levy by 50 cents…

06 Mar

High Court grants ACC investigator leave to occupy top position after Prime Minister’s objection

ObserverNational NewsHigh Court grants ACC investigator leave to occupy top position after Prime Minister’s objection

Hertta-Maria Amutenja High Court Judge Eileen Rakow, has granted Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) investigator Phelem Maseka Masule leave to execute a judgment delivered on 25 April 2023. This allows Masule to take up the position of Chief of Investigation and Prosecution with the ACC while awaiting an appeal by Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila and the ACC. The case revolves around the vacancy for the Chief: Investigations and Prosecutions Grade 3 position at the ACC, advertised in local newspapers in November 2019. The dispute arose when the initial recommendation of the interview panel, favouring Masule as the second-highest scorer, was overridden by…

06 Mar

Pastor accused of raping two girls and a woman

ObserverNational NewsPastor accused of raping two girls and a woman

Hertta-Maria Amutenja Police in the Omusati Region have reported that a pastor, who also owns a church at the Okandi village, has allegedly raped two girls and a woman between 9 February and 24 February this year. The pastor allegedly raped a 24-year-old woman from Onheleiwa village on the 09 February, and the 19-year-old girl from Onghuwo village was raped on 16 February while the 17-year-old girl from Onepandaulo village was raped on the 24 February by the same pastor this year. Omusati Regional Commander, Commissioner Ishmael Basson said all the alleged rapes happened at another person’s house identified as…

06 Mar

Science education in Zambezi bolstered by innovative workshop

ObserverNational NewsScience education in Zambezi bolstered by innovative workshop

Niël Terblanché In an inspiring initiative aimed at enhancing science education within the Zambezi Region, eighty teachers from various schools have embarked on a transformative five-day training workshop. This significant educational endeavour, now in its second consecutive year, is proudly hosted by the Zambezi Directorate of Education, focusing on vital subjects such as Chemistry, Physics, Biology, and Mathematics. Spearheaded by the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), this workshop is designed to furnish teachers with advanced skills and knowledge in their respective science subjects. The initiative is sponsored by Risk-Based Solutions, a leading environmental consultancy firm, which has committed…