National News

Niël Terblanché As the school year draws to a close, Namibia has received a timely boost to its educational infrastructure through a generous donation from the Chinese government. The Minister of Education, Arts and Culture, Ester Anna Nghipondoka, officially received newly constructed educational facilities for two rural schools in Kavango West: Satotwa Combined School and Simanya Combined School. She said the Chinese government’s gift, delivered through the Agency for International Economic Cooperation, will help address the growing need for learner accommodation and improve the overall learning environment in these remote areas. “The donation includes crucial infrastructure such as classrooms, administration…

Martin Endjala Sophia Shaningwa, the Swapo party secretary general has called on people who are predicting that the party presidential candidate, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah will fall ill before taking office, to stop. She was defending Nandi-Ndaitwah after she allegedly collapsed while delivering her statement at a recent party rally in Otjiwarongo. “Stop it. Leave our candidate. It must end in Otjiwarongo. You are busy discussing her and her vehicle. It must stop you witches. Leave the servant, who is here chosen by God and by the hand of man, to serve. Leave our candidate alone. Stop it with immediate effect,” she…

Martin Endjala The acting Khomas regional police commander, Deputy Commissioner Chrispin Mubebo, has issued a stern warning, stating that law enforcement will not tolerate unlawful acts following the arrest of Namibia Economic Freedom Fighters (NEFF) member Michael Amushelelo. Amushelelo was arrested and charged with malicious damage to property and contravening various laws after burning tyres and blocking traffic during a protest in front of the Ministry of Labour office in Khomasdal on Friday. “We were notified about the incident and dispatched a team of police officers and Amushelelo has been charged with malicious damage to property, in this case the…

Allexer Namundjembo Regional councillors in the country’s northern regions are urging the government to prioritise the renovation and construction of earth dams to address water shortages. As the country expects normal to above-normal rainfall in the coming months, councillors argue that these dams could help store floodwaters for later use, benefiting communities and agriculture. Okatyali Constituency councillor Joseph Mupetami highlighted the need for the government and NamWater to construct dams along main water pipelines supplying communities. “Constructing new dams may be costly and time-consuming. However, prioritising the renovation of existing earth dams could significantly address our water challenges. In my…

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The residents of Grootfontein are growing increasingly frustrated as mud-coloured water continues to flow from taps. This affected especially the Mini-town, Luiperdheuwel, and Extensions 7, 8, and 9, as well as parts of Tuliang. The issue, which has persisted for weeks, stems from ongoing repairs at the Buitekamp Boreholes and Water Reservoir. Emmerencia Ndara, a resident of Luiperdheuwel, said they rely on clean water for their daily needs. “It is unacceptable that we have to deal with brown water for an extended period,” said Ndara. Many residents took to social media to express their frustration. “This is the…

Niël Terblanché NamWater has refuted circulating rumours about an imminent water cut in the Cuvelai area, which forms part of the utility company’s business unit in northwestern parts of the country. According to a statement issued by Lot Ndamanomhata, the spokesperson of NamWater, these claims, spread across various platforms, are untrue. “These claims are entirely without basis and do not reflect any plans or intentions from NamWater,” he said. Ndamanomhata reassured the public that no such disruptions are planned, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining a consistent and reliable water supply across all regions. He said that in response to ongoing…

Niël Terblanché Fifty-seven mayors from across the country convened at Swakopmund to discuss the future of local governance challenges last week for their annual general meeting (AGM) of the National Mayors Forum. The discussions at the AGM centred on a wide range of issues, including governance, infrastructure, economic development, and sustainability. The forum was hailed by Swakopmund mayor Dina Namubes as an opportunity for productive discussions aimed at enhancing the sustainability and progress of Namibia’s municipalities. In her opening address, Namubes highlighted the significance of the gathering, describing the mayors as “vibrant leaders” committed to creating a better future for…

Ester Mbathera The Ministry of Health and Social Services has spent N$2.7 million to fence off the land for the construction of Windhoek District Hospital. The ministry’s executive director, Ben Nangombe, said this in a statement on Thursday while outlining the activities that have been carried out thus far. “In February 2024, the Ministry carried out a site clearance, marking the start of the work for the construction of the Windhoek District Hospital. This activity was carried out by the National Youth Service at a cost of N$581 900,” he said. The City of Windhoek in 2017 resolved to allocate…

Allexer Namundjembo The Ndama Clinic in Rundu has been without water for the past few weeks due to low water pressure. Affirmative Repositioning activist Angelina Immanuel revealed this to the Windhoek Observer on Wednesday. She said she learned from the matron during her visit to the clinic that the facility had been without water for weeks. “It is a big water crisis here. The taps are dry, and the matron informed me that they have been without water for the past two weeks, and it has become a norm every year during this season. What worries me the most is…