Month: December 2023

In Keetmanshoop, the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform has recently acquired approximately 19,000 hectares of land in the ||Kharas region for the second phase of the Neckartal Dam project. This acquisition, at a cost of nearly N$19 million, marks a significant step in the dam’s development. The first phase involved constructing the dam wall, completed in 2019 by Italian company Salini Impregilo, with a total expenditure of N$5.5 billion. The upcoming second phase focuses on developing irrigation projects anticipated to generate substantial employment opportunities.

According to Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA), Jona Musheko, a request for expressions of interest was advertised in November for consulting services to conduct a feasibility study. This study aims to guide the ministry in selecting suitable crops or fruits for cultivation and in determining effective design, financing, and operational models. Musheko could not specify the consultation period’s duration before launching the irrigation scheme’s development. ||Kharas Governor Aletha Frederick has expressed hopes that the government will integrate small farmers into the irrigation phase, emphasizing the importance of benefiting local communities, especially women and youth, through cooperative models.

Windhoek – Justice Minister Yvonne Dausab disclosed that in 2023, over 10,000 applications for legal aid were received by her ministry. During a Cabinet committee briefing, she stated that of these applications, approximately 7,500 were granted, with N.dollars 35 million allocated to support indigent litigants. The Ministry of Justice has also established a partnership with the Law Society of Namibia, focusing on enhancing access to justice and service delivery.

According to Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA), This collaboration, part of a five-year agreement, will facilitate information exchange and share expertise in legal matters. Minister Dausab highlighted the ministry’s efforts in innovating court services, including the establishment of Victim Friendly Court Facilities and the construction of a new court in Keetmanshoop. The ministry’s internship program has also been successful in providing employment opportunities, involving over 200 interns, including international participants from Canada and the United States.

In Windhoek, the Namibian Police Force (NamPol) has recently promoted 4,682 officers, marking a significant step in their ranks. The promotion, effective from 1st December 2023, was announced by NamPol Inspector-General, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo.

According to Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA), this move reflects the officers’ unwavering commitment and dedication to their national duties. He emphasized that a promotion is not merely a decorative achievement but carries substantial responsibilities including accountability, commitment, and honesty in upholding the law. The Inspector-General called upon the newly promoted officers to continue their diligent work, maintain discipline, and enhance service delivery. He detailed the promotions, including 1,930 officers rising from constable to sergeant two, 1,445 from sergeant two to sergeant one, 600 advancing from sergeant one to warrant officer two, and 707 moving from warrant officer two to warrant officer one. Additionally, 50 officers from various directorates and first divisions received new ranks, while the remaining promotions will be executed by their respective regional commanders. Shikongo underlined the importance of police officers as unifiers, embodying fairness and impartiality, and urged the lea
ders within NamPol to foster an environment where professionalism, integrity, and accountability are paramount.

Windhoek – The Brazilian government has contributed an additional US.dollars 120,000 (approximately N.dollars 2,233,200) to Namibia’s food security project, in cooperation with the World Food Programme. This donation follows a previous contribution of N.dollars 2.28 million made in August.

According to Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA), Brazil’s Secretary for Africa and the Middle East, the support is part of Brazil’s ongoing efforts to enhance food and nutrition security in Namibia. The collaboration extends to improving school feeding programs and other developmental areas. Penda Naanda, Executive Director of the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, expressed Namibia’s intent to diversify cooperation with Brazil, highlighting the upcoming 30th anniversary of the naval agreement between the two countries.

Windhoek – Namibia’s Ministry of Justice, led by Minister Yvonne Dausab, continues to advance legislative reforms, focusing on combatting money laundering and terrorist financing.

According to Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA), the ministry has successfully passed 12 bills through Parliament this year. These reforms aim to make the legal system more accessible and protect primary homeowners from repossession. Additionally, the ministry has played a key role in passing the Combatting of Domestic Violence and Combatting of Rape Bills. Minister Dausab also highlighted upcoming legislation, including the Ombudsman Bill and the Divorce Bill, slated for discussion in the National Assembly next year. In response to President Hage Geingob’s call for improved legal service accessibility for persons with disabilities, the ministry has launched customer service charters in seven local languages and braille.

Noordoewer – The EHW Baard Primary School in Noordoewer recently received computer equipment worth over N.dollars 300,000, enabling the setup of a new computer lab.

According to Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA), Kharas Region Acting Director of Education, Arts and Culture, this development is a step towards embracing the opportunities of the fourth industrial revolution. Magerman highlighted the importance of digital education and noted the current gap in technology access, especially in primary schools in the region. The donation, contributed by Escalate Investment and the Road Fund Administration, is seen as a critical move to equip learners with digital skills and access to global knowledge. Magerman urged the students to utilize the new computer lab to its full potential, emphasizing the importance of digital literacy in the modern world.