National News – Page 227 – Windhoek Observer

20 Oct

Health Ministry addresses medical supply crisis and dispels transparency concerns

ObserverNational NewsHealth Ministry addresses medical supply crisis and dispels transparency concerns

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MOHSS) has moved to dismiss allegations of a medical supply crisis and concerns about transparency in procurement processes The allegations stemmed from an internal source within the Ministry who alleged that essential medical supplies are deliberately allowed to run out, leading to emergency procurement and possible circumvention of the public tender process. The source also claimed that the Ministry was procuring supplies from ‘friend’s companies.’ “The ministry allows the complete depletion of crucial medical supplies, including non-sterile gloves, sterile surgical gloves, specimen bottles/materials, and other essential medications such as first-line antibiotics,…

20 Oct

Renewables attract N$2.8 billion in investments

ObserverNational NewsRenewables attract N$2.8 billion in investments

Chamwe Kaira Namibian renewable energy projects have successfully attracted investments totalling N$2.8 billion, according to Minister of Industrialization and Trade, Lucia Ipumbu, who made the announcement during a meeting of the World Association of Investment Agencies in Abu Dhabi this week. The minister disclosed that a significant 79 percent of the total investment interest pipeline for Namibia is in renewables, showcasing the growing appeal of sustainable energy ventures in the country. “These investments have materialized into four operational projects, collectively generating 244 direct employment opportunities and 206 temporary employment opportunities for Namibians,” Ipumbu said. She emphasized Namibia’s advantage as a…

20 Oct

Cheetah Cement increases salaries and benefits for employees

ObserverNational News

Stefanus Nashama Whale Rock Cement, also known by its trading name ‘Cheetah Cement,’ and the Mineworkers Union of Namibia (MUN) have reached an agreement to increase salaries and benefits for employees during the 2023/24 and 2024/25 Financial Years, aimed at fostering a harmonious relationship with the workforce. According to Tabby Moyo, Whale Rock Cement’s Public Relations Officer, the agreement signed by the two parties this week encompasses a six percent inflationary salary increment across the board for all employees. Moyo explained that the salary increment is intended to shield employees from national inflation, which has been hovering around six percent.…

20 Oct

I am afraid it’s about to rain and we still have no roof over our heads: Destitute family

ObserverNational NewsI am afraid it’s about to rain and we still have no roof over our heads: Destitute family

Martin Endjala A family of five in the Oshaanawa village, in Uukwiwu-Uushona Constituency whose house burnt to ashes in August 2023, still has no roof over their heads, and with the rainy season lingering, they now fear that the roof might not materialise in time.A family member Ester William, told Windhoek Observer in an interview that they are currently sharing one tin room which also accommodates their belongings.“Since our home burnt down, all five of us share the small shack where we also store all our belongings like food, clothes, and pots among others. I am afraid that it is…

20 Oct

Namibia collaborates with global effort to reduce seafood waste

ObserverNational NewsIn the face of rising food insecurity and unemployment, Namibia’s fishing industry is joining hands with global partners to address these critical challenges.

Niël Terblanché In the face of rising food insecurity and unemployment, Namibia’s fishing industry is joining hands with global partners to address these critical challenges. The initiative aims to reduce seafood loss and waste, maximize the value of marine resources, and create employment opportunities for coastal communities. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), over one-third of seafood is lost or wasted globally, while more than 92 percent of global fisheries are harvested at or above maximum sustainable yield levels. Much of the loss occurs at sea and during processing, with some by-products being converted into fishmeal…

20 Oct

Private sector implored to explore new market opportunities

ObserverNational NewsPrivate sector implored to explore new market opportunities

Martin Endjala Industrialisation and Trade Deputy Minister, Verna Sinimbo, has implored businesses, particularly in the private sector to explore new market opportunities like agriculture and invest in the production of goods and services that can be competitively traded within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTFA) framework. She said the private sector should embrace innovation and technology to enhance productivity and competitiveness, adding that all these activities can only be unlocked once appropriate funding mechanisms are availed. She reiterated that there have been deliberate efforts made to ease access to finance. Sinimbo made this remark at the Bank Windhoek Online…

19 Oct

LPM appoints a lawyer to challenge ministerial power on Local Authority Act

ObserverNational NewsLPM appoints a lawyer to challenge ministerial power on Local Authority Act

Martin Endjala Landless People’s Movement (LPM) have approached law firm Weder, Kauta and Hoveka to help the party challenge the constitutionality of ministerial powers in the Local Authorities Act of 1992 and the legality of directives issued by the minister to local authorities. The party’s Operative Secretary Dawid Eigub, yesterday gave directives to all local authorities under the leadership of LPM to challenge the constitutionality of ministerial powers in the Local Authorities Act with immediate effect. “All local authority councils governed by the Landless People’s Movement are advised and directed to challenge the constitutionality of ministerial powers in the Local…

19 Oct

Parliament adopts bill to discuss the state of detention facilities

ObserverNational NewsParliament adopts bill to discuss the state of detention facilities

Stefanus Nashama The National Assembly has this week adopted the motion that seeks to discuss the deplorable state of holding cells and correctional facilities across the country. Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) Member of Parliament, Inna Hengari, on Tuesday, tabled the bill, and the National Assembly referred it to the relevant Parliamentary Standing Committee for scrutiny. While tabling her motion, Hengari highlighted that the motion is a call for urgent intervention and total reconstruction of detention facilities as their current conditions constitute a serious human violation. According to Hengari, issues such as overcrowding, poor sanitary conditions, inmates’ delayed access to medical…

19 Oct

Questions surround learner’s sudden death

ObserverNational NewsQuestions surround learner’s sudden death

Niël Terblanché A cloud of sadness and disbelief descended upon Swakopmund Secondary School on Wednesday when a 15-year-old Namibian male student, Benjamin Sheelongo, tragically passed away while still in class. The unexpected incident has left both the school and the community grappling for answers. The heart-wrenching event occurred around 09:11 in the morning while Benjamin was attending his Grade 9 class. According to Inspector Ileni Shapumba, the head of the Community Affairs division of the Namibian Police in the Erongo Region, classmates of Sheelongo reported that he suddenly collapsed. Swift action was taken and an ambulance from EMED Rescue Services…

19 Oct

LPM stands firm on allegationsof MTC funding fishrot lawyers

ObserverNational NewsLPM stands firm on allegationsof MTC funding fishrot lawyers

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Despite Mobile Telecommunications (MTC) strongly denying any money missing from its coffers, the Landless People’s Movement (LPM), is insisting that N$1.2 billion of public funds were used to pay lawyers representing persons implicated in the fishrot scandal. The party’s spokesperson Lifalaza Simataa, told Windhoek Observer yesterday that based on information the party received from the source, LPM has strong suspicion that MTC has a case to answer. Hence the party wants the line minister to provide clarity. This comes after LPM leader Bernadus Swartbooi, questioned Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises Iipumbu Shiimi, in Parliament last week to…