National News – Page 168 – Windhoek Observer

01 Mar

NAU calls for vigilance amidst rise in rabies cases among kudus

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché The Namibia Agriculture Union (NAU) has reported an increase in rabies cases among kudus, a situation exacerbated by the prevailing drought conditions in the region With regard to the concerning development, the NAU has extended its gratitude towards its members for their prompt reporting of these cases to the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) while reiterating the importance of vigilance in spotting diseased animals. According to the NAU, rabies poses a significant risk not only to wildlife but also to domestic animals and humans. The organisation reminded the public that rabies is a notifiable disease as per legislation.…

01 Mar

Looming water shortage in central Namibia prompts urgent actions

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Cabinet announced a series of urgent measures to secure water supply for the Central Areas of Namibia (CAN) before July 2025 in a desperate move to address the impending crisis The announcement by the Minister of Information Communication and Technology, Emma Theofelus, follows a high-level Cabinet Decision-making meeting held in February, where the dire forecast of water availability in the region was a primary focus. The Central Areas of Namibia, encompassing Windhoek and its surrounding regions, are facing severe water shortages due to a combination of climatic factors and infrastructural inefficiencies. The Minister in a statement…

01 Mar

DBN urges SMEs to embrace responsible borrowing practices

ObserverNational News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) has issued a call to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to adopt a more responsible approach when seeking loans. Jerome Mutumba, the bank's Executive for Marketing and Corporate Communication, stressed the significance of mutual responsibility in the context of development finance during a period marked by frequent requests for SME loan repayment write-offs. According to Mutumba, these loans are intended to bolster Namibia’s development, economic activity, and prosperity. He said that the dual nature of development finance, not only provides financial support but also aims to encourage accountability, sustainability, and beneficial developmental…

01 Mar

Swakopmund residents in a tiff over proposed radioactive storage facility

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché Residents of Swakopmund are involved in a heated debate regarding the possible rezoning of property in the town limits to store radioactive materials. The bone of contention is a proposal by Namaquanum Investments Two to refurbish an existing workshop on Einstein Street to establish the storage facility. This initiative, aimed at supporting offshore oil exploration activities, has sparked widespread concern among the town's residents and environmental activists. The Municipality of Swakopmund has called for calm, stressing that the proposal to store nuclear material within town limits is yet to be finalized. Amidst growing tensions, the local community, galvanized…

01 Mar

Namibia sets sights on renewable energy to tackle environmental challenges

ObserverNational NewsNamibia sets sights on renewable energy to tackle environmental challenges

Niël Terblanché Namibia has announced its ambitious plan to become a leading hub for renewable energy innovation in a significant move towards environmental sustainability and economic resilience. While addressing the High-Level Segment of the Sixth United Nations Environmental Assembly in Nairobi, Pohamba Shifeta, the Minister of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, outlined Namibia’s vision for a future where economic growth and environmental preservation go hand in hand. He told delegates that Namibia is facing serious environmental threats and that the country is at a critical juncture. Shifeta emphasized the urgency of addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss,…

01 Mar

MP wants more schools and teachers

ObserverNational NewsMP wants more schools and teachers

Stefanus Nashama Hidipo Hamata, a Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) Member of Parliament, wants the government to build more schools and employ more teachers to ensure quality education for Namibian children. Hamata was of the opinion that while the government has the mandate to provide universal basic education it also needs to have sufficient places in schools for all Namibian children. Hamata was contributing to the motion concerning the discussion of the issue of poor performance of government schools in Parliament this week. The parliamentarian further stated that the government should make sure that schools are adequately staffed, constructed where they…

01 Mar

Green Hydrogen Programme unveils groundbreaking initiatives

ObserverNational NewsGreen Hydrogen Programme unveils groundbreaking initiatives

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGHP) unfurled an array of groundbreaking initiatives set to transform the nation’s energy landscape this year. In a strategic move, NGHP announced the appointment of seven seasoned executives, reinforcing its commitment to visionary leadership. James Mnyupe, Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Commissioner, is the driving force behind these developments. He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to oversee ambitious program initiatives. Mnyupe, at the forefront of transparency, affirmed that NGHP will continue its high-profile, in-person media briefings. The first of 2024 is scheduled for the last week of March where details of the comprehensive three-year…

01 Mar

Economic diversification can offset challenges

ObserverNational NewsEconomic diversification can offset challenges

Niël Terblanché Namibia is committed to economic diversification as a fundamental pillar of the country’s fiscal and economic policy. This became evident when the Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises, Iipumbu Shiimi tabled the 2024/2025 National Budget in the National Assembly. Amidst projections of economic recovery, the government is poised to continue its pursuit of a more diversified economy through the implementation of its Economic Diversification Strategy while also seamlessly integrating it into the forthcoming Sixth National Development Plan. Shiimi stated that the reality of the anticipated economic upturn, primarily fueled by positive trends in the natural resources sector, is…

01 Mar

SMEs innovatively empowered through the distribution of drought relief

ObserverNational NewsSMEs innovatively empowered through the distribution of drought relief

Niël Terblanché The Office of the Prime Minister has unveiled plans to uplift Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across Namibia by integrating them into the country’s drought relief efforts. This groundbreaking initiative, set to commence in April, aims to harness the potential of local SMEs. The programme will enable SMEs to become key suppliers of essential drought relief food items such as cooking oil, canned fish, and flour within their respective communities. The strategy, which represents a collaborative effort between the Khomas Regional Council, the business community, and the Office of the Prime Minister, seeks to empower local vendors by…

29 Feb

Namibia must shed ‘Tax Haven’ label

ObserverNational News

Niël Terblanché The Namibian Government has announced plans to phase out its Export Processing Zones (EPZ) in favour of establishing Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in a significant policy shift aimed at revitalizing its international economic reputation. This strategic move, revealed by Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises, Ipumbu Shiimi, during the National Budget announcement in Parliament, comes in the wake of the European Union (EU) blacklisting Namibia as a tax haven. According to Shiimi, the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Bill, earmarked for introduction in the National Assembly in the 2024/25 financial year, is a proactive approach by the government to…