National News – Page 364 – Windhoek Observer

30 Jan

Swakopmund has 22,000 residents without proper housing

National News

Niël Terblanché In a determined move to tackle the housing crisis, the Swakopmund municipality has announced the donation of 379 erven to families living in the DRC informal settlement, marking a crucial step in the coastal town's efforts to provide housing to over 22,000 residents on waiting lists. This groundbreaking initiative was revealed last week, focusing on the DRC settlement's extensions 27, 29, and 30. The town council of Swakopmund, after careful consideration, identified the beneficiaries of these plots on serviced land, aiming to assist first-time homeowners. In documentation provided by the Swakopmund Municipality, the local authority confirmed that the…

30 Jan

Ohangwena Regional Council cannot account for missing N$200,000

National News

Stefanus Nashama The Ohangwena Regional Council is embroiled in a financial mystery involving the disappearance of a N$200,000 donation from the Road Fund Administration (RFA). Despite the transaction's documentation, the Council has yet to pinpoint the missing funds' whereabouts. Fillip Shilongo, the Chief Regional Officer of the Ohangwena Regional Council, stated that the funds were earmarked for purchasing food for flood victims. However, it was later revealed that the money was allegedly transferred to a different company without the Council's consent or approval. Shilongo expressed the Council's perplexity over the missing funds. “As we speak, the whereabouts of the N$200,000…

30 Jan

Several Hardap schools operate without key personnel

Main, National News

Hertta-Maria Amutenja In a shocking revelation during the official opening of the Regional Stakeholders Conference in the Hardap Region this week, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Technology, and Innovation Nathalia /Goagoses, addressed a critical issue plaguing the educational landscape. With a resounding call for action, /Goagoses highlighted that 11 schools in the region are currently without principals, and an additional 28 lack Heads of Departments. During her address, /Goagoses emphasized the pivotal role leadership plays in shaping the educational environment. She urged the Regional Director and the education team to fill these vacant positions, stressing the importance of accountability and…

30 Jan

TransNamib set to secure N$2.6 billion loan for railway expansion and modernization

National NewsTransNamib set to secure N$2.6 billion loan for railway expansion and modernization

Niël Terblanché TransNamib, the national rail operator, is on the brink of acquiring a colossal N$2.6 billion loan that will significantly bolster Namibia’s rail infrastructure. The Acting Chief Executive Officer of TransNamib, Webster Gonzo, announced the imminent agreement with the Development Bank of Southern Africa and the Development Bank of Namibia. He added that the financial infusion marks a crucial moment in the modernization and expansion of the country’s railway system. Gonzo elaborated on the intricate processes involved in securing such a substantial loan. “We have reached the final stages of the prerequisites for this funding. Key to this phase…

30 Jan

Pilot’s swift action averts tragedy on Namibian coast

National News

Niël Terblanché A potential aviation tragedy was skilfully avoided on Monday morning when an experienced pilot, flying a light aircraft along the Namibian coast, executed an emergency landing on the B2 Road between Swakopmund and Langstrand. The incident, which could have ended in disaster, saw all passengers emerge unscathed thanks to the pilot’s quick reflexes and expertise. The Cessna 210, with five people on board, was ascending to its cruising altitude after departing from Swakopmund Aerodrome when it encountered sudden engine trouble. Hafeni Mweshixwa, a senior aircraft accident investigator at the Directorate of Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigations, reported that…

30 Jan

Namibia records 22 new leprosy cases

National NewsNamibia records 22 new leprosy cases

Hertta-Maria Amutenja The Minister of Health and Social Services, Kalumbi Shangula has revealed that the country reported 22 new leprosy cases in September 2023. Speaking at the commemoration of World Leprosy Day in Katima Mulilo, Shangula urging collective action to combat the stigma and discrimination associated with the disease. Shangula disclosed the breakdown of the cases, emphasising the urgency of addressing the situation. He announced that seven cases were identified in the Zambezi Region, 11 in the Kavango Region, three in the Oshana Region, and one in the Omusati Region. This data underscores the persistent challenge posed by leprosy in…

29 Jan

US Embassy moves to its new premises in Klein Windhoek

National News

Stefanus Nashama In a significant development marking the evolution of relations between the United States of America and Namibia, the United States of America recently moved its embassy operations to its newly constructed site in Klein Windhoek. Tiffany Miller, the Public Affairs Officer and Spokesperson for the US Embassy in Windhoek announced this transition, signifying the closure of the embassy's previous location and the commencement of operations at the new diplomatic facility. Miller said that the move to the new site in Windhoek represents not just a physical shift but also symbolizes the future trajectory of collaboration between the United…

29 Jan

MIT announces consultations on key economic legislation and policies”

National News

Martin Endjala Elijah Mukobonda, the Chief Information Officer at the Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade (MIT), has recently declared that the ministry will embark on public consultations for three significant legislative and policy documents. These include the Special Economic Zone Bill (SEZ), the National Informal Economy, the Startups and Entrepreneurship Development Policy (NIESED), the Namibia Investment Promotion and Facilitation Regulations, and the National Cooling Strategy. The move comes as Namibia transitions from the Export Processing Zones (EPZ) to the SEZ, following the former's lack of success. "The EPZ did not generate the expected tax revenue for the Treasury and nearly…

29 Jan

Swakopmund sets ambitious goals for poverty eradication

National News

Niël Terblanche To combat poverty and hunger, the Mayor of Swakopmund, Dina Namubes, announced during the first Town Council meeting of 2024 that the town is setting ambitious goals to eradicate poverty and achieve zero hunger. According to Namubes, these goals align with the National Sustainable Development Goals, signifying a proactive approach towards addressing critical issues affecting the local community. Namubes stressed the need for reflection on past progress and challenges, highlighting the unique opportunities and persistent obstacles facing Swakopmund. "I am confident that with your unwavering dedication and the collaborative spirit that defines this Council, we will continue to…

29 Jan

FNB Namibia appoints new people in top leadership positions

National News

Martin Endjala As part of its executive team restructuring, First National Bank of Namibia (FNB) has announced the appointment of Nangula Kauluma, as Chief Executive Officer for FNB Retail Banking and Sepo Haihambo, as Chief Executive Officer of FNB Commercial Banking. According to the bank, the restructuring is the first for the Namibian market which is aligned to the trend in banking globally, hence the announced closer by the bank to-market restructuring of its Executive Team. FirstRand Namibia Group CEO, Conrad Dempsey, congratulated Kauluma and Haihambo on their new roles, saying that they are excited about the focused potential of…