By Kaleb Nghishidivali

OMARURU, August 16- The town of Omaruru, a vital link for transportation between Walvis Bay and Katima Mulilo, is facing escalating safety and infrastructure challenges due to a continuous flow of trucks. The absence of a designated truck port has sparked worries among residents about the deterioration of road surfaces and increased risks for pedestrians and drivers.

Each day, a significant number of trucks carrying essential goods and fuel pass through Omaruru. The lack of a proper rest area for truck drivers often results in trucks being parked around the town, leading to inconvenience and potential hazards. The constant weight and movement of these vehicles have taken a toll on the town’s infrastructure, causing deep cracks and potholes.

A local resident, Onesmus Shilongo, shared his distress about the situation, “The presence of these trucks has transformed our once-charming town into a dusty and unsafe place. The noise, pollution, and damage caused by these vehicles are impacting our quality of life.”

Responding to public concerns, the Omaruru Town Council has initiated discussions with relevant stakeholders, including regional authorities, to explore potential solutions.

Joseph Haipinge, the Executive of Planning and Technical Services in Omaruru, defended the truck traffic, highlighting, “It’s important for people to understand that the Omaruru road serves as the sole corridor for trucks from Angola, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.”

Haipinge also acknowledged the economic contributions made by truck drivers. However, he admitted the town’s insufficient truck port facilities, acknowledging that the current provision within the service station is inadequate.

The creation of a dedicated truck port could provide a secure resting place for drivers and help reduce strain on Omaruru’s infrastructure. By designating a specific area for truck parking, the town could minimize damage and preserve its roads and pavements.

While Haipinge contested claims that trucks were damaging the roads, stating, “The roads are built to withstand the weight of large vehicles,” he did express concern about the situation and the importance of finding a suitable resolution.

“We recognize the frustration of our residents and the negative impact these trucks have on our town. We are actively working towards establishing a proper truck port that will cater to the needs of drivers, while also ensuring the safety and well-being of our community,” Haipinge assured.

Efforts are underway to secure funding for the project, with the town council exploring various financing options, including public-private partnerships and government grants. Establishing a truck port will require meticulous planning and coordination among multiple stakeholders, but it is seen as a critical step in addressing residents’ growing concerns.

In the interim, the Omaruru Town Council is urging residents to remain patient as they strive for a long-term solution. They also encourage community members to report any cases of illegal truck parking or damage caused by heavy vehicles to the relevant authorities.- Namibia Daily News

By Kaleb Nghishidivali

Windhoek, 16 August 2023- The Bank of Namibia’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has made the decision to uphold the Repo rate at 7.75%. This determination arises from a thorough evaluation of worldwide, regional, and local economic circumstances, with the goal of ensuring the stability of the exchange rate between the Namibia Dollar and the South African Rand, while also offering support to the domestic economy.

In a statement issued by Johannes !Gowaxab, it was highlighted that the Namibian economy demonstrated robust growth, with real GDP reaching its zenith in the first quarter of 2023, sustaining a growth rate of 5.0%. This impressive figure notably exceeded the 2.1% growth recorded during the final quarter of 2022. In July 2023, inflation pressures eased, and the growth in Private Sector Credit Extension (PSCE) remained modest.

While positive momentum is evident, the projection for overall real GDP growth in 2023 anticipates a slowdown to around 3.3%, in contrast to the 4.6% attained in 2022. This foreseen deceleration is attributed to decreased growth within the primary industry. Factors such as global economic fragility, tighter worldwide monetary policies, elevated crude oil prices, and ongoing geopolitical tensions continue to present risks to Namibia’s domestic economic prospects.

The annual growth in PSCE exhibited improvement, reaching 3.0% in June 2023, albeit persisting below historical standards. This advancement is linked to heightened demand for credit within the household sector, particularly in segments like mortgages, installment sales, and leasing credit.

Furthermore, Namibia’s merchandise trade deficit observed an 18.6% reduction to N$15.4 billion during the initial half of 2023, as exports outperformed imports. Export earnings benefited from increased volumes in uranium, diamonds, gold, and fish exports, boosted by the depreciation of the Namibia Dollar against the South African Rand.

The nation’s international reserves remain steady, totaling N$54.2 billion at the close of July 2023. This reserve level is viewed as adequate for sustaining the currency peg between the Namibia Dollar and the South African Rand, as well as fulfilling international financial obligations.

Globally, preliminary data suggests improved economic activity during the second quarter of 2023, credited to robust consumer spending in the United States and the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions in China. Nonetheless, global economic growth is anticipated to moderate to 3.0% in 2023, a decrease from the 3.5% attained in 2022. – Namibia Daily News

By Charmaine Boois

Schlip City, Date: August 16, 2023 – The present youth generation is on the cusp of adulthood during a period characterized by unprecedented challenges and prospects linked to rapid climate change. As the climate crisis unfolds at an alarming rate, young people find themselves at the forefront of the battle to address its wide-ranging repercussions. In a time marked by economic and environmental upheaval, the role of educated and informed youth is more critical than ever.

The implications of climate change stretch beyond environmental concerns, impacting economic and societal dimensions. These young individuals are set to inherit a world that has been shaped by the actions and decisions of their predecessors. Their ability to grasp the intricacies of climate change and its potential solutions is pivotal in determining the trajectory of the future.

Acknowledging this, comprehensive climate education emerges as a fundamental foundation for equipping young minds with the knowledge and tools required to navigate the complex landscape of climate change. In essence, climate education serves as a link between comprehending the multifaceted challenges posed by a changing climate and formulating innovative strategies to mitigate its effects.

Preparing youth for leadership roles in tackling climate change is of paramount importance. As the leaders of tomorrow, they possess the potential to drive groundbreaking solutions that can alter the course of our planet. An essential facet of this effort involves adopting interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches that unite a diverse range of experts, each contributing their distinct expertise to forge a comprehensive understanding of the challenges at hand.

The urgency of the situation has spurred various organizations, including the National Youth Council of Namibia, UNFPA Namibia, and GIZ Namibia, to rally behind the cause. Initiatives such as “Green Skills For Youth Towards A Sustainable Economy And World” showcase their commitment to equipping youth with the skills needed to effectively address climate change. This initiative recognizes that climate action necessitates a united front, involving educators from diverse fields who contribute their insights to nurture innovative ideas, knowledge, and expertise.

While youth engagement has garnered remarkable attention, it serves as a catalyst for meaningful discussions on climate action. This platform has enabled the voices of young individuals to reverberate across global conversations, sparking a surge of initiatives and commitments aimed at mitigating climate change.

The inspiring story of Ricky Jacobs, a youth empowered by the efforts of the National Youth Council of Namibia, UNFPA Namibia, and GIZ Namibia, exemplifies the potential impact of youth empowerment in driving positive change.

In conclusion, the convergence of climate change and youth empowerment underscores the symbiotic relationship between informed young minds and a sustainable future. Their ability to comprehend the complexities of climate change, coupled with their determination to effect change, positions them as pivotal actors in the ongoing narrative of safeguarding our planet. As the world unites to address the challenges posed by a changing climate, the youth are poised to lead the charge towards a greener and more sustainable tomorrow.- Namibia Daily News

By Staff Reporter

MAMONO, August 16 – The Vagciriku Royal Family, in strong support of Prince Bathlomeus Aruvita Kayoka, held a press conference yesterday, Tuesday, to firmly reject Minister Erastus Uutoni’s declaration regarding the identification of the rightful successor to the vacant Chief position of the Vagciriku Traditional Authority. The family characterized the minister’s statement as applying delaying tactics, displaying bias, engaging in discriminatory conduct, and fundamentally misrepresenting the Vagciriku Culture.

The press release by the Royal Family commenced with an account of how Prince Aruvita Kayoka emerged as the legitimate successor of the late Hompa Kassian Shiyambi. It highlighted that Prince Aruvita was initially chosen as Chief of the VaGciriku back in 1999 after the passing of the late Hompa Sebastian Kamwanga, who ruled from 1985 to January 1999. However, adhering to the customary law of the VaGciriku, which dictates that an uncle has the primary right of refusal over the claim of a Nephew during succession, “Hompa Aruvita withdrew in favor of his uncle, the late NkuruHompa Kassian Shiyambi. Being disciplined and respectful, as always, he acceded to the wishes of the Gciriku elders, including his own mother, to defer the throne to his uncle, the late Hompa Shiyambi, with the understanding that he would have his opportunity in the future,” read the opening statement.

The Royal Family further expressed their lack of surprise at the minister’s biased announcement, alleging that he had consistently employed delaying tactics from the outset, including not signing Prince Aruvita Kayoka’s application after it received procedural endorsement from the Royal Family and the Kavango East Governor, signaling his intended succession as Chief of the VaGciriku Traditional Authority.

Moreover, the Royal Family disputed the minister’s claim that Felix Muraghuli Mashika is supported by the majority of the VaGciriku people and that he had been nominated by the late Chief Shiyambi. The Royal Family invited the Namibian nation at large and the Gciriku community in particular to remain calm and peaceful, asserting that the minister’s decision would be reviewed by a competent court and ultimately set aside.

The statement was delivered on behalf of the Royal Family by Reverend Ludwig Hausiku Kamboroto, a senior member of the family. The event was attended by Royal Family elders, various headmen and headwomen of the VaGciriku Traditional Authority. Minister Uutoni’s phone rang unanswered when contacted for comment – Namibia Daily News.