Friday, 15 November 2024
Thursday, 10 October 2024
Water scarcity to be addressed by NamWater's Master Plan project
“There is a need for better collaboration between NamWater, local authorities and regional authorities. The most important part of this project is to ensure public consultation processes for participatory approach and involvement of target groups,” said Pichler-Stainern.
Sunday, 6 October 2024
Omuthiya community sensitised on Access to Information Act
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Access to information is a vital key to acquiring fact-based information and ensuring that there is transparency, good governance and that public servants or leaders are answerable to the society.
Thus different stakeholders from various institutions embarked on a day long information sharing session today in Omuthiya town in the Oshikoto region.
The event was hosted by the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) in accordance with the Access to information Act, No.8 of 2022, with the main purpose of bringing information and information-related services closer to people.
The general public got an opportunity to engage with stakeholders and ask them questions on anything.
Stakeholders like the Namibian Police under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, the National Housing Enterprise (NHE), Sanlam and financial institutions like Nedbank and First National Bank (FNB) formed part of this initiative.
In an interview with Omutumwa Mrs Josephina Mwashindange, a Senior Information Officer at MICT Oshikoto regional office highlighted that the main objective of this initiative is to ensure that they share and disseminate information to the general public.
“As a ministry we work hand in hand with different stakeholders to ensure that people have access to information. Thus we host such events so that stakeholders can come together and engage with the public,” Mwashindange said.
“You cannot make a decision if you don’t have the right information, hence we want the public to familiarise themselves with different services that are being offered by different institutions and to have a knowledgeable society.”
In an effort to safeguard the information and combat cybercrime, the government is busy finalising the Data Protection Bill as well as the Cybercrime Bill which is in the final drafting stage.
“Since technology is advancing at a fast pace, the information ministry conducts a free digital computer literacy training to ensure that people have basic knowledge on how to navigate through different gadgets and that they are equipped with necessary skills,” said Mashindange.
Meanwhile the Namibian Police plays a crucial role in crime prevention, so that it occasionally carries out community outreach programmes to inform and educate the public on how to fight crimes.
“We visit different schools throughout the region with a sole purpose of educating the learners on how to prevent crime,” said Oshikoto region Nampol’s Community Policing Officer, Sergeant Mukena Matengu.
“We also have a Mobile Charge Office Initiative whereby we visit places where it is difficult to have a police station. Currently the common cases in Oshikoto region are stock theft and housebreaking cases.”
Speaking at the same event the Oshikoto Area Coordinator of Namibia College of Open Learning (Namcol), Mr Tomas Uupindi urged people, especially learners, to visit the Namcol Office situated at Okaale Lifestyle Complex in Omuthiya to register for tertiary courses and Technical Vocational Training Programmes (TVET) which are funded by Namibia Student Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF).
Uupindi also pointed out that in an effort to ensure that learners have necessary learning support materials required to prepare for final examinations, Namcol has an offer of 70% discount for all the booklet required for NSSCO/H or Advanced Subsidiary level valid until end of September.
Next year’s enrolment will commence from 22 January until 07 February at all Namcol centre countrywide.
Tuesday, 3 September 2024
"Oshikoto achieved remarkable achievements", Ya Ndakolo
Oshikoto region has achieved significant milestones across various public sectors, and the region has during the last 12 months successfully completed many projects in education, infrastructure development and health care sector.
This was said today in Omuthiya by Mr Penda Ya Ndakolo during his State of the Region Address (SORA).
Ya Ndakolo highlighted that the year under review was significantly memorable as there has been a remarkable improvement in different sectors and activities carried out by offices, ministries and agencies. Funds were allocated to start-up businesses, trainings were conducted and materials were handed over to young entrepreneurs in different constituencies to upscale their business.
“The Income Generating Activities programme through the Ministry of Gender Equality, Child Warfare and Poverty Eradication handed over materials to four rural projects in an effort to boost and promote start-up businesses,” Ya Ndakolo said.
“In the same vein, 23 young entrepreneurs from various constituencies in the region were trained on business management skills and provided with funds that will help them expand their business.
“The gender ministry has also installed water tanks at 50 Early Childhood Development Centres (ECDC) in eight constituencies, namely Eengodi, Oniipa, Olukonda, Guinas, Omuntele, Okankolo, Onayena and Omuthiya.”
Meanwhile, the Governor said, there has been a commendable decline in crimes in the region.
“Rape cases have lessened by 58%, suicide cases have reduced by 31% and stock theft cases have also decrease by 53%.”
However, he expressed concern at the high car accidents reported in the region which are mainly caused by over speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol.
To improve the livelihood of people and address the greatest hurdles caused by climate change, over 300 farmers were trained in various specified fields to contribute to food security, income generation and employment creation.
“The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs has implemented a ministerial poultry farming project in Onyaanya Constituency which aims at supplementing the veteran’s funds.
“Furthermore, at least 29 tombstones were erected on the graves of veterans of the liberation struggle,” Ya Ndakolo revealed.
On health related matters Ya Ndakolo said that the construction of a new maternity ward by the health ministry is underway at Onandjokwe Hospital which will cost N$59 million.
He however expressed that inadequate clean water supply and access to electricity remain a major challenges towards achieving infrastructure development.
https://omutumwa.com/2024/08/oshikoto-achieved-remarkable-achievements-says-governor/
Government to safeguard the nation against cybercrime
The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) is busy finalising the cybercrime bill, a piece of legislation which will help protect the national digital infrastructure and combat cybercrime in Namibia.
This was revealed by MICT minister, Ms Emma Theofelus during the Ongwediva Annual Trade Fair’s MTC Tech Hub Conference hosted in Ongwediva on 28 August.
Theofelus said that other bills like the Data Protection Bill and National Emergency Telecommunications Plan Bill are also at the final stage of drafting.
“The ICT ministry is thus currently working on several legislative frameworks that will solidify our position in the global tech’s pace,” she said.
“In today’s digital age many people fall prey to cybercrimes so it is important to have a policy framework that will ensure that such cases are dealt with in an amicable way and that the perpetrators are brought to task.”
“We are finalising the National Emergency Telecommunication plan to ensure that precautionary steps are put in place when and where the nation is faced with emergency situations or natural disasters and therefore parts of the country or citizens are out of reach when communications are down.”
She further added that the ministry is busy earmarking a place that will serve as an ICT hub in Windhoek where everyone will connect to boost innovation and uplift technological advancement.
“Looking at the national digital strategies we want to map the whole country in terms of digital transformation.”
Also, Theofelus said, the ICT ministry is working hand in hand with the ministry of education to ensure that children are exposed to technology.
“We are developing a national digital literacy framework to guide and ensure that everyone is at sub-level through basic computer literacy training.”
In addition the MTC’s Chief Technical Officer, Dr Monica Nehemia said that out of 1,851 schools 87.4% of them are covered with 4G network, while 7,5% of the country’s 710 health facilities have 4G network coverage.
“MTC is collaborating with the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) to come up with a project that will bridge the gap between those that live in rural areas and the ones in urban areas,” Dr Nehemia said.
She also urged organisations to have digitalization strategies in place and familiarize themselves with the latest technology developments.
https://omutumwa.com/2024/08/government-to-safeguard-the-nation-against-cybercrime/
Shack dwellers face uphill battle
https://omutumwa.com/2024/08/omuthiyas-kaniita-shack-dwellers-face-uphill-battle/
Namibian President leads tributes for martyr
President Nangolo Mbumba was today at Omuthiya to join people from all walks of life who gathered to celebrate and commemorate the 34th Heroes Day.
The event brought together prominent public figures, leaders of various sectors, former freedom fighters and the general public who assembled at Omuthiya Recreation Park in harmony to pay tribute and honour heroes and heroines who lost their lives fighting during the liberation struggle.
President Mbumba used the occasion to praise the legacy of those who died for Namibia to be free.
Although Namibia is free, it is not free from poverty and hunger, unemployment and a sluggish economy.
But the president said that the government has made a good progress to develop the green economy, saying that the export of green hydrogen will unlock many business opportunities, and transform the economy.
He also expressed his dismay at the drought situation which has negatively affected all regions across the country.
“At present we are facing a devastating drought, and there has been reports of deaths in some regions more especially children dying due to malnutrition,” Dr. Mbumba said.
“The government has announced drought relief assistance that will be spread countrywide. The Office of the Prime Minister is looking into this matter and it will take necessary measures required to address hunger and drought.”
He also stated that there is an urgent need to create job opportunities for all Namibians.
“Citizens should proactively empower themselves through education and training to acquire skills to participate in the struggle of economic freedom.”
Speaking at the same event the Oshikoto Regional Governor Mr Penda Ya Ndakolo called out to the youth of Namibia to grow up with an appreciation for their heritage and remember the sacrifices made by those “who fought for the independence and freedom we are enjoying today.
“We are here today because of the nobilities of heroes who have suffered for our nation. Let us all at any time and at any place embrace patriotism,” Ya Ndakolo said.
“As Namibians we are expected to protect and strengthen our independence and dignity. We will continue to be united into one Namibia, One nation.”
In the photo: Namibian President, Dr. Nangolo Mbumba, addressing thousands of people who gathered at Omuthiya Recreation Park for Heroes Day. Also pictured are some of the cultural groups which came from different regions of Namibia.
https://omutumwa.com/2024/08/president-mbumba-leads-tributes-for-namibian-martyrs-at-omuthiya/
Omuthiya gears up for Heroes day celebration
Thousands of Namibians are flocking to the town of Omuthiya to celebrate the 34th Heroes Day.
The event is set for Monday the 26th of August, at Omuthiya Recreation Park, in the Oshikoto region.
People from all walks of life are preparing to form part of this event at the heart of Omuthiya town.
“The reason why we are here is to assist with choreography of the performances for the heroes day,” said choreographer and performances coordinator Mr Ismael Sam.
Mr Sam, who came all the way from Windhoek, said that his responsibility would be to inspect and oversee the quality of performances and quality of organisation of the entertainment activities throughout the event and ensure this event become a success.
“The main purpose of these preparations is to express and display the importance of the sacrifices that our heroes and heroines made for us.”
Sam highlighted that the performance which he was coordinating and choreographing represents unity of the Namibian nation.
“This is a way to celebrate the success and sacrifices which heroes and heroines have done,” Sam said. “We are doing it by expressing ourselves through this dance and songs as it is the culture of our nation.”
Cultural groups from Omusati, Kunene, Erongo, Zambezi, Kunene, Otjozondjupa, Hardap, Kavango, Omaheke and Oshikoto region have been preparing for a combined performance.
Ndilimani Cultural Troupe and legendary Ras Sheehama formed part of the rehearsals of this performance.
Meanwhile, local vendors couldn’t contain their excitement since this will be an opportunity for them to display their goods and services, and help them reap good profits during the heroes day celebration.
“Since many people are coming to our town there has been a commendable improvement in our business and we are already receiving more customers than before,” said Hilya Amagulu, a vendor at Omuthiya open market.
“It is a great opportunity for us to showcase our products to the visitors, it feels good to see people at my food stall.”
The much anticipated Heroes day is set to be commemorated at the heart of Omuthiya town under the theme “Honouring our Martyrs (Heroes and Heroines)”.
https://omutumwa.com/2024/08/omuthiya-gears-up-for-heroes-day-celebrations/
Friday, 23 August 2024
Water crisis in Omuthiya informal settlement
Residents of Kaniita, an informal settlement located on the outskirts of Omuthiya town, feel neglected by the Omuthiya Town Council as their public taps are running dry after the flow of water was stopped by the municipality.
Despite their efforts to ensure that they have access to clean water and proper sanitation the taps remain dry for a long time. As a result most residents are forced to buy water on a daily basis from those few residents who own a tap, or they walk to town to buy water.
“I have been staying in this location for over 15 years now, at first the taps which were installed by the town council were operational,” said Mrs Aina Joseph. “But since the time of Covid-19 preventive measures were relaxed the water crisis arouse.
“Being an unemployed elder of my house I have to do odd jobs here and there, at times selling kapana, in the hope of getting funds to be able to buy water which costs about N$3 per 20 little container, which is costly in my case.”
Mrs Joseph added that she has high expectations from the municipality officials to resolve this matter before things get out of hand.
Mr Moses Angula feels that the officials need to set up a meeting with community members or urgently communicate plans for resolution of this water crisis situation with water committee representatives in their respective locations.
Angula is a sole breadwinner who does auto mechanical services at the town to make ends meet. He expressed disappointment in the town council, adding that he always travels several kilometres to town to fetch water everyday which costs him an arm and a leg.
Mr Peter Ngede, a 56 year old self-employed welder who hailed from Ohangwena Region, is one of the senior residents of this location. He stated that there are no proper toilets at their settlement.
Although the council had built public toilets, this effort proved futile as most of the toilets are now closed to the public due to lack of proper maintenance.
“Currently there are five portable toilets installed but only three are working. It is hard for us to use these few toilets and some people relieve themselves behind bushes and shrubs when nature calls,” Ngede lamented.
Click the link to access the original article
https://omutumwa.com/2024/08/water-crisis-hits-omuthiyas-kaniita-informal-settlement/
Tuesday, 6 February 2024
Debut Namibian author launches her book
In an effort to boost the reading culture of the Namibian youth, newly published author, Josefina Gabriel, launched her first book, titled “Listen to your heart”.
The book, which was published in October last year, was launched on 21 January 2023 at a public gathering in Oshana Region where Okatana Constituency Councillor Mr Edmund Ishuwa was the keynote speaker. ‘Listen to your Heart’ is a compilation based on the author’s regular contributions in the digital publication, Omutumwa.com under the banner ‘Ndeshi on Friday.’
According to Gabriel the book is meant to inspire and motivate readers of all age groups as it contains various topics on life lessons and how to navigate a world that “keeps spinning around like a whirlwind”.
“I have been having desires to teach or motivate people every time with my kind heart even though my background was not an easy one. I have seen many young people giving up easily in life,” Josefina says.
“That is why I believe someone out there can get help through some words and points out of ‘Listen to your heart’ book.”
Although it took her time to finalise her book, which contains 100 topics/articles, as a passionate writer Gabriel is grateful that her book will serve as a useful tool for those who are confused by life situations or lacking in self-confidence.
“It may not be possible for everyone to live a wonderful life on this earth but it is possible to live a life without regrets,” she adds. “And that, in short, is the core message of ‘Listen to your heart’. By listening to your heart you can hear the voice of God speaking to you.”
The Rundu-based author urges youngsters and elders alike to develop a reading habit and local writers to put more effort in writing to make people understand life and the purpose of human existence through the art of writing.
As a newly published author the 33-year-old is confident that people will have a keen interest in reading local books and also support local creatives.
“To my Namibian youths out there please find yourself books especially the local books and read, read anything. And if you happen to buy ‘Listen to your heart’ book, this book has not just come in your life for vain but to change your situation through reading,” she concludes.
The 210-page book is available in Kavango Bookshop in Rundu, at Rundu Engen Filling Station, and also as an ebook on Amazon.com (https:www.amazon.com.au/Listen-your-heart-Josefina-Gabriel or from the author herself at 0812580826, or from her sales agents in other towns.
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https://omutumwa.com/2024/09/ondonga-rules-out-court-records-from-access-to-information-act/