National News – Page 216 – Windhoek Observer

21 Nov

DRC residents celebrate World Toilet Day

ObserverNational NewsDRC residents celebrate World Toilet Day

Niël Terblanché The community of the DRC informal settlement in Swakopmund has for the first time in the history of Namibia, participated in celebrating World Toilet Day. This celebration signifies a leap towards achieving sanitary standards that align with global norms. Dr Esther Utjiua Muinjangue, the Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, represented Dr Kalumbi Shangula at the official launch of the occasion. Dr. Muinjangue stressed that World Toilet Day is an annual United Nations Observance, which promotes global awareness and action to address the sanitation crisis affecting over 2.5 billion people worldwide. “For too long, sanitation and toilets…

20 Nov

Environmental Clearance Certification is vulnerable to corruption: Auditor General

ObserverNational NewsEnvironmental Clearance Certificates (ECC), Environmental Clearance Certification is vulnerable to corruption: Auditor General

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Namibia’s Auditor General Junias Kandjeke has warned that the Information System used to control, review and approve Environmental Clearance Certificates (ECC) in the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism are not effective in avoiding the risk of fraud and corruption either internally or externally. “There are weak controls in place regarding granting and revoking access rights, system password length and complexities, segregation of duties, change of management on the IT system, back-up policies and user access rights,” said Kandjeke. This is contained in the Environmental Impact Assessments, Environmental Management Plans and Environmental Clearance Certificates within the Ministry of…

20 Nov

August Twenty-Six Construction addresses remuneration issues

ObserverNational NewsAugust Twenty-Six Construction addresses remuneration issues

Niël Terblanché August Twenty-Six Construction has stepped forward to address labor-related concerns surrounding their emergency construction project awarded by the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture. The project initiated through Direct Procurement as per the Procurement Act of 2015, involves the construction of 534 Classroom Blocks and 74 Ablution Blocks across Namibia, with a targeted completion date in June 2023. Colonel Martha Endjala, speaking on behalf of the company, revealed that 97 percent of the construction projects have already been successfully completed and handed over to the client. However, the company acknowledged an isolated incident that came to their attention…

20 Nov

EU provides N$6.5m to empower San communities

ObserverNational NewsEU provides N$6.5m to empower San communities

Martin Endjala The European Union (EU) has recently disbursed N$6.5 million for the launch of a new EU-funded project to empower San communities to have access to legal capacity building and human rights among others. The European Union in collaboration with the Legal Assistance Centre and other relevant stakeholders will run the project for a period of three years. EU Ambassador to Namibia, Ana-Beatriz Martins, explained that the San people are facing profound challenges, ranging from land dispossession, discrimination, socio-economic marginalisation, loss of cultural heritage, limited access to education, health disparities and environmental pressures. “The main aim of the project…

20 Nov

Reducing the scourge of road fatalities during the festive season is crucial

ObserverNational NewsReducing the scourge of road fatalities during the festive season is crucial, Rosalia Martins-Hausiku

Martin Endjala Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA) Chief Executive Officer Rosalia Martins-Hausiku, has reaffirmed the fund and its stakeholders’ commitment to ensuring that road crashes are reduced to zero during the upcoming festive season. “The importance of Festive Season Road Safety Campaign as a tool to minimise road casualties cannot be over-emphasised. In recognition of the government’s effort and commitment to fight the scourge on our roads, we pledge our commitment”. Martins-Hausiku said this during the launch of the 2023 Festive Season Road Safety Campaign on Friday at Swakopmund in the Erongo region under the theme “Do the Right Thing”.…

20 Nov

Namibia’s pledge to meet Paris Climate Agreement goals reaffirmed in Walvis Bay

ObserverNational NewsNamibia’s pledge to meet Paris Climate Agreement goals reaffirmed in Walvis Bay

Niël Terblanché The bold plan to obtain 79 percent of all energy used by Namibians from renewable sources is evidence of the country’s determination to make a substantial contribution towards addressing climate change and creating a sustainable future for all. Namibia’s Minister of Environment and Tourism, Pohamba Shifeta, while affirming the country’s commitment towards the Paris Climate Agreement goals, said “We have a goal that by 2030, 79 percent of our energy will come from renewable sources of energy.” At the same time the Mayor of Walvis Bay, Trevino Forbes, stressed the importance of collaboration between the central government and…

20 Nov

Namibia and Botswana collaborate to implement lower roaming rates

ObserverNational NewsDr Peya Mushelenga, Namibia and Botswana collaborate to implement lower roaming rates

Niël Terblanché As Namibia and Botswana join forces to improve regional communication, the initiative to reduce roaming rates reflects the commitment of both countries to foster stronger ties, bridging gaps, and ensuring that digital connectivity is a driving force for development and growth in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The governments of Namibia and Botswana in an effort to enhance connectivity and foster regional integration within the (SADC), have jointly announced plans to introduce lowered roaming rates. This initiative, effective from 1 April 2024, aims to promote seamless communication across borders and aligns with the Single Digital Market project.…

20 Nov

Swakopmund prepares for the festive season

ObserverNational NewsSwakopmund prepares for the festive season

Niël Terblanché With a mix of holiday spirit, exciting activities, and enhanced security measures, Swakopmund is ready to welcome visitors and residents to a memorable and safe holiday season at the coast. The festive season has officially descended upon Namibia, and the signs are unmistakable. Businesses are winding down for the year, schools are emptying out, and the atmosphere is charged with excitement. For many, it’s the perfect time to relax by the beach in Swakopmund or embark on a journey to visit family in the northern or southern regions of Namibia. Coastal towns such as Swakopmund, Henties Bay, and…

17 Nov

RDP questions the quality of education from “mushrooming” higher learning institutions

ObserverNational News

Erasmus Shalihaxwe The Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) Member of Parliament, Kennedy Shekupakela, is not convinced that some institutions of higher education that keep popping up every year at the beginning of the academic period can offer quality education to Namibians. He demanded that the Minister of High Education, Innovation and Technology, Itah Kandjii Murangi, review how such institutions are granted registration and permission to give sub-standard education to young Namibians. Shekupakela made these remarks in the National Assembly this week while giving a notice of questions to Minister Murangi if she has noticed that most of such institutions…

17 Nov

MoHSS crafts a new plan for neonatal and maternal health

ObserverNational NewsMoHSS crafts a new plan for neonatal and maternal health

Niël Terblanché The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) is taking significant steps to enhance neonatal and maternal health, recognizing their importance as top priorities in public healthcare services. During the official opening of a special seminar, Dr Kalumbi Shangula, the Minister of Health and Social Services, unveiled plans to address the challenges in neonatal and maternal health. The seminar, which brought together healthcare experts and stakeholders, coincided with the ten-year anniversary of the partnership between the MoHSS and NEO FOR NAMIBIA, a collaboration that has played a vital role in improving neonatal care interventions in various health facilities…