National News – Page 172

13 Aug

Lüderitz port expansion to transform energy and trade landscape

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Niël Terblanché Namibia is advancing its plans to expand the Port of Lüderitz, integral to the country’s strategy for enhancing support to industries such as oil, gas, and green hydrogen production. The Namibian Ports Authority’s (Namport) executive of port engineering, Elzevir Gelderbloem, has stressed that the Robert Harbour quay wall extension project will undergo rigorous inspections, including underwater surveys. In a report by nambusinessexpress.com Gelderbloem said that the expansion of the Port of Lüderitz is not just about increasing capacity; it is about positioning the port as a key logistics hub for Namibia’s oil, gas, and green hydrogen industries. According…

13 Aug

WHO drives immunisation and nutrition intervention

info_e12wt4csNational NewsAfrican Vaccination Week in Namibia, World Health Organization

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and with support from the Government of Japan, conducted an urgent health intervention from 5 to 9 August during African Vaccination Week in Namibia. According to a report published by the WHO, the initiative that was launched in the Omaheke region was aimed at addressing critical health challenges, including vaccine hesitancy and malnutrition, particularly among children under the age of five and vulnerable populations in remote areas. The WHO report states that the Omaheke region, known for the long distances people must…

12 Aug

Works ministry weighs in on Road Safety Bills

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Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Ministry of Works and Transport is moving forward with legislative initiatives aimed at improving road safety in the wake of a tragic bus accident last week. These measures include the finalisation of several key bills that address various aspects of road safety. The deputy executive director of the department of transport at the ministry, Jonas Sheelongo, provided an overview of the ministry's approach following a call from the Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) for stricter regulations, specifically targeting the operating hours and rest periods of small bus drivers to prevent fatigue-related accidents. "In the short term, promotional and…

12 Aug

LPM criticises education minister’s ‘Think Outside the Box’ approach

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Stefanus Nashama The Landless People’s Movement (LPM) has criticised education minister Anna Nghipondoka for her recent call to educators to “think outside the box” to improve learners' performance despite the challenges of a lack of classrooms and overcrowding. The LPM’s spokesperson, Lifalaza Simataa, in a statement last week, said the minister’s remarks lack innovation. “The minister's approach, ironically, lacks innovation, and she fails to ‘think outside’ the box," as she echoes the same sentiments expressed by the minister of education in 2017. Similar sentiments place immense pressure on under-resourced teachers, with zero accountability for the failures of the ministry,” Simataa…

12 Aug

WHO and Japan partner to combat cervical cancer in Namibia

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Niël Terblanché The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Government of Japan, donated cervical cancer screening instruments to the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) in the Omaheke region. According to a statement published by the WHO, the donation was made under the Japan-funded project titled "Increasing Access to Quality Nutrition and Protection Services for Vulnerable Populations," which focuses on enhancing access to vital health interventions, particularly for women and children. Dr. Temptation Chigova, WHO’s Maternal and Child Health Officer, delivered remarks on behalf of WHO Namibia's representative, Dr. Richard Banda, expressing gratitude to the Government of…

12 Aug

Windhoek mayor defends prepaid electricity meters blocking

info_e12wt4csNational NewsWindhoek Mayor

Stefanus Nashama The mayor of the City of Windhoek has defended the blocking of prepaid electricity meters due to outstanding debts while adding that such actions do not violate any laws. Queen Kamati said this at a media briefing last week. “The city will continue to use prepaid meter blocking as a complementary measure alongside other debt collection methods,” she explained. According to Kamati, the approach ensures the financial sustainability of the city's services as it encourages timely payments from residents. Kamati said the accumulation of unpaid bills led to a financial shortfall for the municipality. She said, this affects…

12 Aug

NamPol clarifies stance on seven-seater taxis

info_e12wt4csNational NewsBus operators, Traffic Law Enforcement Officers

Niël Terblanché The Inspector General of the Namibian Police, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, has addressed rising concerns and allegations that Traffic Law Enforcement Officers are discriminating against operators of seven-seater vehicles. In a statement issued on Monday, Shikongo denied any such actions, clarifying that the Namibian Police have not authorized any discriminatory practices in enforcing the Road Traffic and Transportation Act 22 of 1999 (as amended) or the Road Transportation Act, Act 74 of 1977. Shikongo reiterated that seven-seater vehicles with valid public transportation permits are permitted to operate as specified by their permits. “Vehicles operating without public transportation permits…

12 Aug

Erongo governor calls for accountable and transparent governance

info_e12wt4csNational NewsFinancial Institutions and Markets Act, Neville Andre

Niël Terblanché Neville Andre, the governor of the Erongo region, stressed the vital importance of effective public administration in shaping the future of Namibia, while officially opening a five-day workshop in Swakopmund aimed at enhancing public service delivery. The workshop, hosted by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economics and Public Administration, is centred around the theme, “Maximizing the Potentials of Public Administration, Public Service Management, and Public Service Delivery in Namibia.” Andre stressed that a well-functioning public administration is essential for the efficient and transparent operation of any government, including Namibia's. "An efficient, responsive, transparent, and accountable public administration is…

12 Aug

Namibia calls for international justice after barbaric attack on school in Gaza

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Niël Terblanché Namibia has condemned the recent Israeli airstrike on civilians sheltered at Al-Tabin School in Gaza, which has been home to displaced Palestinians. In a statement released on Sunday, Ambassador Penda Naanda, the Executive Director of the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, described the attack as a "barbaric act" and called on the international community to take immediate and decisive action to protect Palestinian civilians. Naanda, on behalf of the government, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of more than 100 lives during the attack, which targeted Palestinians who were performing Fajr (dawn) prayers at the school…

12 Aug

Namibia media fraternity mourns radio legend

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Martin Endjala The media fraternity bid farewell to Deon van Rensburg, a radio presenter who died last week. Van Rensburg was a radio presenter with more than 25 years of experience, having graced the airwaves of various stations across Namibia. He was an employee of Future Media. “It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our beloved friend and colleague, Deon van Rensburg, who passed away this morning,” read the statement by Future Media. Future Media, in their statement, expressed the deep void left by van Rensburg’s passing. “He was a household name, and…