Elezo Libanda

Katima Mulilo, Aug. 3 — As regional energy distributors in Namibia continue to thrive, local authorities are grappling with their inability to provide essential services to residents due to resource constraints. Experts and opposition leaders are urging a shift in the approach, advocating for the direct provision of services to residents by local and regional authorities, bypassing intermediaries, and lowering tariffs paid by citizens. The services in question are none other than the basic needs of water and electricity, which some argue should never be commercialized.

In Namibia, regional electricity distributors were first established in 2000. NORED took the lead on March 13, 2002, and was followed by ErongoRED on August 1, 2005. Following an extensive study from 1998 to 2000, the Ministry of Mines and Energy approved this restructure of the energy supply sector (ESI). This change, though, has not been without difficulties.

Recently, the Electricity Control Board (ECB) announced tariff increases for various electricity distributors, with ErongoRED facing a staggering 9% increase, while the Central-Northern Regional Distributor (Cenored) and Nampower Distribution faced increases of 7.6% and 9.2%, respectively. The Omaheke Regional Council and the Cenored-Okahandja joint venture also experienced significant increases of 3.3% and 7.3%, respectively. These soaring electricity prices have put immense strain on consumers, exacerbating the difficulties of meeting the rising cost of living.

The involvement of middlemen in the provision of water and power services is one of the primary issues brought up by experts and opposition leaders. They contend that local governments should assume the duty of providing these fundamental services directly to citizens, doing away with the need for middlemen and perhaps lowering the cost of water and energy. They are adamant that basic requirements shouldn’t be made commercially viable.

In recent months, the situation has escalated to the point where the government had to intervene when Nampower cut off the electricity supply to some electricity distributors due to their mounting debts, which had reached millions. As a result, numerous households were left in the dark, despite not owing anything directly to the electricity distributors.

Similar issues have arisen with the water supply, and some have argued that Namwater shouldn’t be the only distributor for local governments. Instead, they contend that local government should assume this duty in order to perhaps reduce the cost of water by eliminating middlemen.

Local governments are forced to stop providing services to citizens who are in desperate need as a result of rising water and electricity debts. Many vulnerable households are thus left without access to these essential supplies.

Citizens are expressing their expectations that the future administration will seriously consider the prospect of eliminating middlemen in the provision of basic services like water and electricity as the country gets closer to the 2024 national elections. For the sake of the populace of the country, it is vital to guarantee affordable access to these necessary resources. – Namibia Daily News

By Lylie Happiness

Oshakati, Aug. 3 – A 41-year-old Namibian male is currently receiving treatment at Onandjokwe Hospital following a serious car crash that occurred on Wednesday, 02/08/2023, around 23h10 on the main road between Eenhana and Onethindi (Okambonde area).

According to the police report, the driver was operating a Silver Toyota Corolla with RU registration, travelling from Eenhana to Onethindi. Unfortunately, he lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer off the road and collide with a tree, resulting in a serious head injury.

The driver is now reported to be suffering from internal bleeding, according to the doctors attending to him.

The car sustained irreparable damage and is beyond repair. It was found that the driver was alone in the vehicle, and no driver’s license was found in his possession or at the scene of the accident.

As of now, no arrest has been made in connection with the incident, and the investigation into the cause of the crash continues.  – Namibia Daily News

By Charmaine Boois

Mariental, Aug. 3 – The plight of unemployed youth in Mariental has reached a critical point, with a severe lack of job opportunities leaving many battling mental and economic hardships. Dreams of a bright future are fading, and limited resources for survival have pushed some towards alcohol and crime, further exacerbating the already challenging situation.

Among those affected is 28-year-old Dinah-Lee Kawarie, who openly shared her thoughts: “Imagine being unemployed for years, with limited job options available. It’s draining.” Kawarie added that some resort to alcohol and crimes such as theft to survive. “We have responsibilities, taking care of children and elderly parents who can’t fend for themselves anymore. It’s emotionally and mentally taxing.”

A Namibian Daily News reporter spoke with unemployed youth in Mariental to learn about the bleak reality they face daily. A 26-year-old, who wished to remain anonymous, spoke about the difficulties they encounter in finding employment information. “Job applications and opportunities are not adequately shared, especially for those living in informal settlements like Donkerhoek, where I live, without internet or smartphones.”

Walking around Mariental’s streets, one can witness the desperation. While some wait around at bars, seeking momentary solace in alcohol, young people sit in store hallways, begging for spare coins to buy necessities. Others wander aimlessly, searching for meaning.

Puis Domingos, a 20-year-old, shed light on the lack of support from government organizations and people living comfortably, who often generalize unemployed youth as unambitious. “I initiated an art initiative called ‘Hardap Shining Stars,’ where we gather unemployed youngsters to showcase theatrical plays and earn money through various art activities and shows. We even received approval from the Mariental Municipality to use the community hall. But when we approached organizations for sponsorship, our pleas fell on deaf ears. The lack of support in our town is disheartening, crushing our dream to unite our community.”

The situation in Mariental highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive support system that addresses the challenges faced by unemployed youth. Providing accessible job information, vocational training, and financial aid to start small businesses can empower them to become self-reliant.

Local authorities, private enterprises, and charitable organizations must collaborate to create initiatives that foster entrepreneurship, nurture talent, and encourage community engagement. Together, they can breathe life back into the dreams of Mariental’s unemployed youth and build a future of hope and prosperity.

As Mariental’s unemployed youth cry out for a helping hand, it is time for the nation to unite and stand in solidarity, paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive tomorrow. – Namibia Daily News