USAKOS – Cold-blooded family murders have left the small town of Usakos gripped by horror and disbelief, with the ripple-effects of the tragedy being felt across the country. The incident took place in the Hakhaseb location between 04h00 and 06h30 on Saturday. It claimed the lives of an 86-year-old matriarch and four great-grandchildren, who were...
Author: Eveline de Klerk (Eveline de Klerk )
Walvis ‘criminalising poverty’ with ghetto tax
WALVIS BAY – Walvis Bay municipal council is facing mounting criticism over a proposed shack levy, which homeowners say unfairly penalises them for the authority’s failure to deliver land. This is all at a time the town continues to struggle with a severe shortage of affordable land and housing for low-income earners, frustrated residents say. ...
Omaruru municipality destroys tuck shop
SWAKOPMUND –The destruction of a tuckshop in the Hakahana informal settlement in Omaruru has sparked outrage, with residents condemning the Omaruru Municipality for the action. Videos circulating on social media yesterday showed how a front-end loader digs into the tuckshop, while shocked residents watched the destructions. Another video shows food items scattered all over the...
Swakopmund’s affordable housing on course
SWAKOPMUND – Despite challenges, Swakopmund remains committed to providing affordable housing and land for its residents. The town has a housing backlog of approximately 20 000 units, but efforts are underway to address the demand, including a new land servicing project in the Wagdaar area. The project is valued at N$38 million. Linda Mupupa, spokesperson...
Walvis councillors clash over globetrotting … trip to cost residents over N$200 000
WALVIS BAY – A trip to an international ocean conference has become a bone of contention among Walvis Bay councillors, with some calling it a waste of resources, while others insist it is a crucial opportunity for learning and exposure. Walvis Bay councillors could not reach consensus over a scheduled trip to attend the 3rd...
Competition commission sanitises RedForce
WALVIS BAY – The Namibia Competition Commission (NaCC) has found that contracts awarded to RedForce Debt Management by local authorities are beyond reproach. However, the commission raised serious concerns over discrepancies in debt-collection practices, and called for urgent regulatory reforms to protect consumers from excessive fees and aggressive collection tactics. The findings are contained in...
Erongo regional council imploding
SWAKOPMUND – A political storm is brewing at the Erongo Regional Council, as Arandis constituency councillor Benitha Imbamba is fighting to keep her seat as chairperson. This follows a vote of no confidence motion that was tabled against her. The motion, tabled by Walvis Bay Urban constituency councillor Deriou Benson, seeks her removal, citing poor...
Erongo farmers lick wounds … lose over 2 000 cattle in 18 months
OTJIMBINGWE – Despite good rains received in various parts of the country, farmers in the Erongo region remain trapped in a relentless drought that has devastated their livestock and livelihoods. The region, largely covered by desert terrain, has been among the hardest-hit, with many farmers losing nearly everything, forcing them to close both kraals and...
PDM buttresses ECN’s impartiality
SWAKOPMUND – Popular Democratic Movement secretary general Manuel Ngaringombe has called on the Electoral Commission of Namibia to remain impartial and improve election management ahead of the 2025 polls. He made the remarks while opening a seven-day capacity-building workshop for PDM regional coordinators and local authority councillors in Swakopmund. The workshop, facilitated by the Konrad...
Fishing contributes N$15b to GDP
WALVIS BAY – The Namibian fishing industry has evolved into a significant contributor to the country’s economy over the past 35 years, with deliberate policies aimed at ensuring sustainability, value-addition and local participation. Today, it stands as the third-largest contributor to the national gross domestic product (GDP), generating over N$15 billion annually. Executive director of...