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News and Events |
Foreign Defense Security
The Erongo regional Governor, Samuel Nuuyoma opened the National Council’s sensitization workshop on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security in Swakopmund on 2 February 2009.The workshop was organized for the members of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defense and Security and its stakeholders and aimed at creating a platform for information sharing. It carried the objectives of understanding knowledge on conditions and mechanisms for parliamentary scrutiny, enhancing the understanding of knowledge on conditions and mechanisms for parliamentary scrutiny for the security sector and what parliamentarians can do in the security sector budget cycle.
It also discussed the role of Parliament in defense, security, foreign affairs, home affairs and immigration policies, parliamentary oversight and legal framework, law and policies on foreign affairs, defense and security amongst others. Other critical issues included laws and policies on foreign affairs, defense and security, parliamentary oversight of intelligence services, intelligence Policy making, how parliament could be accounting for public money, as well as the role of the opposition in the oversight of defense and security institutions.
The governor noted that the above mentioned topics clearly needed to be tackled bravely if participants aimed at coming up with brilliant solutions that can change the country’s current foreign affairs, defense and security for the better. He said any country makes it a first priority to focus at the security of its citizens, and therefore needed constant new ideas in order to tighten security for the wellbeing of its people. He added that too many countries around the world have taken the issue of defense and security for granted over the years, and are now struggling to keep peace and stability in their countries.
He therefore applauded the standing committee for regularly attempting to review and strengthen our own country’s security issues.
Erongo is Ready for Decentralization
The Directorate Decentralization Coordination management committee visited the Erongo region for a readiness audit. The meeting enjoyed information from different local authorities, the Erongo regional council, as well as the DDC concerning challenges with regard to readiness, anticipated challenges with regard to receiving and managing delegated functions at political and administrative levels. Participants to the audit also learned about what the delegating line ministries as well as the directorate of Decentralization Coordination expect from them.
The Governor of the Erongo region, Honourable Samuel Nuuyoma urged both regional and local authorities’ staff to carefully absorb the information and give input for the successful off-kick of this process for the benefits of the Erongo community. He strongly encouraged them to learn as much as possible about their new responsibilities that will help government to function even better and reach the communities that were previously not able to receive full attention. He was adamant that staff in the Mighty Erongo region, with its reputation of hard work will try its best to welcome these functions delegated to them with vigor and determination.
Members of the delegation were quite impressed with the progress made by the Erongo region, which is still one of the regions topping the list of readiness for decentralization process.
Governor Visits Trekkopje
On 26 January, the Governor of the Erongo region, Honourable Samuel Nuuyoma was invited to visit the Trekkopje mine and desalination plant, where he was briefed about the operations of the mine, environmental impact and other plans that are in the pipeline in order to make the mine operate safely.
The visit was carried out with an eye on benefiting both the mine and the region and the country as a whole, while considering the environment. The governor was joined by some of the mine management members, as well as environmentalists.
The tour also included a report on the progress of the desalination plant at Wlotskazbaken that will ensure that the mine has sufficient water to operate with. The water is pumped and cleaned from our own ocean and into the mining area.
AREVA Mine Manager, Paul Day, said the Trekkopje Project would start production in 2010, and it will be one of the10 largest uranium mines in the world, with a preliminary lifecycle of 11 years.
This, he says is the most exciting mining project in Africa, if not in the world. Upon commissioning, the mine will process 100, 000 tons of crushed ore per day. At the end of the tour governor Nuuyoma expressed his appreciation towards this huge investment. He notes that he was impressed that the mine, which has only arrived recently, is doing so much progress.
He was also impressed at the determination of the mine to take care of its employment, as well as the prospect of creating more jobs for residents of the region. While at the topic, he also noted that the mine’s consideration of the environment, as well as its social responsibility is something that the region welcomes greatly.
Spitzkoppe Receives Life
The governor of the Erongo Region, Honourable Samuel Nuuyoma attended a special function on Wednesday, 28 January, where the community at Spitzkoppe received access to fresh, clean water. The occasion was made possible by Areva Resources Namibia (ARN), which is responsible for the Trekkopje Uranium Mine Project. The mine previously handed over a borehole to the community, about five kilometers away from the settlement, before adding a pipeline, water storage tank and tap near to the community.
Other special guests who witnessed the event include the Minister of Mines and Energy, Erkki Nghimtina and Mrs Martha Namundjembo Tilahun. Both the Governor and Minister of Mines and Energy, Errki Nghimtina commended Areva for this gesture, saying that although the company was still in its development phase, and far from production, it is still showed a committed interest in its social responsibility. They wish the mine well in its operation, adding that the gift will improve the quality of living for the residents who had settled at the place about fifty years ago.
Governor Nuuyoma noted that he was proud to be associated with Areva, noting that social responsibility not only involves giving back to communities, but implies also the transfer of skills, know-how and capacity building. He says he hopes that the gesture inspired the community to look after its resources responsibly.
The Chief of the !Oe#Gan Traditional Authority Immanuel /Gâseb, thanked the mine for supplying water to over one thousand six hundred people, noting that it was the first time that the Spitzkoppe community enjoyed fresh water. He promised the mine that the residents to take good care of the facilities.
The water supply system cost AREVA about N$300 000.
Council Meeting
The first council meeting for the Erongo took place on 6 January 2009. It was attended by all councillors of the Erongo Region, some members of the Erongo region community
They were addressed by the Erongo Regional Governor, Honourable Samuel Nuuyoma, who welcomed the gathering to the New Year.
He continued that everybody should trust in God to make this year an even better year than the excellent one that the region enjoyed in 2008. He noted that this year was a year of hard work for residents of the region if it wants to continue with the realization of their plans to empower all communities. He notes that the world was fast becoming more and more competitive. Therefore there is a need to ensure that it stays on track with globalization. He adds that many people around the world are looking at Africa with a different eye, now that positive things like the 2010 World Cup and the victory of Namibia’s own ‘Hitman’ is making the mark of Africa and Namibia in particular, even more visible on the world map.
He also reminds the Erongo community that the 2010 world cup date is fast approaching, thus the need to start working even harder this year to be able to accommodate the large volumes of people that will be staying in Namibia. He continues that re-doubled efforts are needed to make the Erongo region shine even more and tempt people to return every year.
He also touched on the issue of HIV/AIDS, which he says needs to be tackled seriously this year. He also notes that the region will be entering a new Era in the field of Uranium, something that will be of great benefit to residents of the region and the country as a whole. New developments, accommodation facilities and other infrastructure should thus be planed to accommodate this rapid mushrooming of mines.
The governor also made use of the opportunity to remind people that they should be ready for the elections of this year, by especially equipping people in the region with the necessary information on their rights and the procedures of voting.
ALAN MEETING
The governor of the Erongo region, Honourable Samuel Nuuyoma attended the opening of the Association for Local Authorities in Namibia meeting in Walvis Bay on 30 January 2009. It served as the kick-off towards many decisions to be made about local authorities in Namibia for a better future, by focusing on the preparation for the 55TH ALAN CONGRESS in Oshakati during MARCH 25 - 27, 2009.
The congress will attract delegates from National and International local authorities as well as Regional Councils, counterpart Associations, donors Partners and other stakeholders will gather.
The meeting was attended by delegates from various Local Authorities in Namibia who came together to deliberate on amongst others; policy and legislative issues affecting local government institutions and their stakeholders.
Governor Nuuyoma noted that he was pleased to see so many participants who have dedicated their time to come from all corners of the country for this important meeting, adding that they are showing great dedication in putting minds together to work out the wellbeing of their respective towns’ people and residents of Namibia as a whole.
He acknowledged the fact that the Local Authorities are increasingly faced with many challenges at local level as service providers to the communities, as an employer and as potential partners for development.
He says Local authorities are struggling year by year to tackle socio-economic development issues such as reducing poverty, creating employment opportunities, tourism attractions and investment opportunities for potential investors amongst others. At the same time, towns are expanding and increasing the workload even more, while urbanization is adding more to the heavy load.
It is also evident, he says, that more projects are envisaged in many towns as modernization is taking place daily, adding that many more challenges are therefore awaiting them. Therefore, there is a need to work out strategies on how to handle these issues.
He also urged ALAN to ensure that member municipalities help each other in addressing crucial municipal issues for development. He says ALAN need to work at promoting unity among local authorities for the benefit of the entire country, as it does not make sense that some municipalities are more successful than others, while others are struggling to keep head above water.
He also urged the association to start addressing the issue of unity between mayors, councillors and chief executive officers in respective municipalities, as they often loose focus because of in-house fighting within municipalities. As a result, he says citizens loose out on what is due to them.
Meanwhile the governor made used of the opportunity as Vice President of Association for Regional councils (ARC) to urge ALAN to unite with the association in terms of the service delivery and cooperation.
He notes that ARC has been and still is ready to sign a memorandum of understanding as discussed between the two associates.
HITMAN VISITS ERONGO
The Erongo Regional council was graced with a visit from the WBA lightweight World Champion Paulus “The Hitman” Moses on 23 January 2009. It was a memorable occasion in the History of the region, as people gathered at the Erongo regional council to meet this National Hero.
The governor of the Erongo Region, Hounorable Samuel Nuuyoma congratulated the Hitman on his victory, noted that it was a proud moment to shake the hand of a young man who has dedicated time and energy in order to put his nation on the world map.
He notes that the international world have been looking down at Africa for too long, now, but Moses has shown the world that stars can be born out of a young country like Namibia.
He further applauded the Hitman for his unwavering spirit during trainings and eventually throughout the fight, saying his ability to keep calm throughout the fight showed good quality of a winner.
The victory of this young man, he said, not only shows his dedication towards the boxing profession and sports as a whole, but also paved a way for prospective young boxers to dream big, work hard and one day be in the same position.
He was particularly impressed at the fact that Moses pulled of the fight even with an injured hand from the seventh round is even more amazing.
He also made an appeal to Namibians to continuously support this star in any way that will make his career more comfortable as he deserves all the support especially from the business community.
The office of the governor made sure that Moses and his entourage enjoyed their fame, by organizing for a convoy through the streets of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay, on a pick up truck and fire truck respectively.
An additional meeting was held for the fans of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund
RULLA SAVVA WOMEN’S CLUB
The Governor of the Erongo Region, Honourable Samuel Nuuyoma officially launched the Rulla Saavva Women’s Club at Walvis Bay of Friday 20 February. The club was started in 2007 and is the brainchild of Bobby Kandjala, a citizen from Walvis Bay, who saw the need for women, especially the unemployed ones to have a platform where they can create their own income. The group which consist of about 50 women has since been involed in income generating projects like barbeques, while contributing an amount of N$ 50 each month.
The official launch of the club took place on Friday 20 February. Governor Nuuyoma commended the women for not sitting idle waiting for government to do everything for them. He notes that it was commendable that they rather took it upon them to meet government halfway and create money generating opportunities for themselves. He says it is his hope for other women in communities of the Region to follow the same example. He also noted that the club will make it possible for needy children to reach their full potential in life, and at the same time rescue Namibia from economic challenges one day. Guests at the event contributed money and other goods at the launch. The evening was concluded with an amount of about twenty two thousand dollars to the coffers of the club.
NAMFI GAINS NEW FACILITIES
The governor of the Erongo Region was invited to the inauguration of new welding workshop and simulation equipment of the Namibian Marine and Fisheries Training Institute, NAMFI, recently.
The Institute made an effort to approach the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resource for financial assistance to build a new welding workshop, as it was realized amongst other reasons that the old workshop was too small, and could only accommodate 6 welding units.
With the new facility, the institute can now afford to accommodate up to 20 trainees and 2 instructors at a given time, instead of 12 trainees and 1 instructor, with improved safety aspects.
NAMFI has also decided to add more value to its existing navigation simulator, by acquiring a Fishing Simulator that will be very useful in the absence of a training vessel.
The new facilities and equipment were acquired with the help of the Equipment Aid Fund of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, as well as the Spanish Cooperation Agency.
Speaking on behalf of the Governor of The Erongo region, hounorable Samuel Nuuyoma, Councillor for the Walvis Bay urban constituency, honourable Hafeni Ndemula described NAMFI as a model institute, which always shines with excellence, prosperity and hard work. He notes that Namfi have made it possible to equip many Namibians with high class qualifications that allowed them to enter the job market of Fisheries and Maritime sector.
He further commended the institute blessed for their assertiveness in providing first class training, noting that it is equipped with personnel that does not sit idle and wait for development to come to them, but rather go an extra mile in order to bring development to them.
Governor Nuuyoma says that these efforts speak of excellent planning for the future and indicates that Namibia will soon be a nation with skilled professionals, which are up to standard with the international world.
He further appealed to the private sector to follow the example of the Ministry of Fisheries as well as the Spanish corporation that of rendering support to educational institutions, in order to help develop our countries further.
The Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Dr. Abraham Iyambo,who officially inaugurated the facility and equipment noted that the Institute had matured well ,since its inception in 1996. He however noted that it was a sad case to see many of graduates of NAMFI who are still unemployed, noting that all the hard work cannot have the results of people sitting on the street. He proposed that much need to be done in order to integrate these graduates into jobs within related industries.
• PRESIDENT COMPLIMENTS ERONGO REGIONAL COUNCIL
The President of the Republic of Namibia, President Hifikepunye Pohamba congratulates the Erongo Regional Council for their hard work in bringing services closer to its people. The President, who was on a visit to the Erongo Region referred to the infrastructure of the Mondesa police station, which he officially opened on Thursday. The police station, which was build at the tune of N$ 2, 4 million will cater for areas such as, Mondesa, Vineta Tamariskia, Jabulani and Mahetago, with a population of about 45 000 people.
President Pohamba noted that the Erongo Regional Council was the first to take such a bold initiative without even asking for assistance from central government. He thus urged upon other Regional Councils to follow suit.
The Mondesa Police Station, which is classified as Class B police station is currently manned by 26 police officers, who have already recorded out 72 cases including housebreaking, theft and assault amongst others. More police officers will be made available in due course.
The president also made use of the opportunity to congratulate the Namibian Police in the Erongo Region on their many successes, which he says is noticed, especially through the media reports. He notes that he was particularly pleased that citizens were working together with the police, something that further compliment their efforts. He says safety and security of every citizen is important, especially in a country where tourism and investment opportunities exist. President Pohamba notes that crime does therefore not only hurt victims, but also the reputation of a countries’ economy and should therefore be dealt with seriously.
The Erongo Regional Governor, Samuel Nuuyoma also added to the statement of the president, noting that the days are gone, when Swakopmund used to be terrorized by criminals. He says they should be warned that the new police station could soon be a gateway to many years in prison. He I urged all visitors and resident to make use of the police station to assist the police in various crimes adding that they will never have to feel afraid to report a crime, as the skilled police force will always assure their safety. He further assured citizens and visitors of the Erongo Regional Council’s commitment to provide a lot more services, especially those relating to safety.
NAMIBIA SOON TO RECEIVE ASSISTANCE IN WIND POWER ENERGY
A delegation consisting of the Governor of the Erongo region, Honorable Samuel Nuuyoma, the mayor of Walvis Bay councilor Uilika Nambahu, Chief Executive Officer of Erongo RED Gerhard Coeln, Councilor of Walvis Bay Jeffrey Naobeb as, former member of parliament Mr. Ben Amathila, and the Executive Assistant of the municipality of Walvis bay Josephine Sisande recently attended a celebration ceremony of the completion of the Pernois wind park in France.
The Pernois Wind Park in Pas-de-Calais, near Lille, France is described as an exciting example of the great opportunity and potential that wind power represents for people around the world, as sustainable and renewable energy are becoming an important part of global success. It is seen as a means of slowing down climatic change, and other negative effects. The wind park was made up of four locations, Valhuon, Tangry, Huclier, and Hestrus, all in the Pas-de-Calais, and includes 10 wind turbines.
It was the brainchild of Grégoire Verhaeghe, a textile industrialist from Tourcoing (north of France), who is also the president of the InnoVent company. During his research for a cleaner industry, Verhaeghe had focused his attention on the production of electricity using wind. In 1993, after the first installation of an 80 kW wind turbine, and a second of 75O kW in 2000, Grégoire Verhaeghe could validate the interest and the real production capacity of this renewable energy source.
The InnoVent Company aims at developing this renewable energy in order to limit the damages caused to the environment by using classical energy sources such as fuel, coal or nuclear power. Mr. Verhaeghe, who sees this project as a positive asset in especially in the future of the developing world now has ambitions to extend his wind energy business to Namibia. He has already been in is in contact with several Namibian politicians and businessmen.
Verhaeghe believes that Namibia holds great potential for wind power, and offered to share his knowledge on the benefits of wind power plant development with Namibian towns, especially Walvis Bay.
The benefit for Namibia and Walvis Bay in particular, is the idea to set up a wind farm in Walvis Bay to ensure the demand in energy in this area of Namibia.
TUNACOR
The Tuacor Fishing Company in Walvis Bay in the Erongo Region commissioned its new Individual Quick Frozen (IQF) processing plant last week, at the same time increasing the company\'s employment capacity to more than one thousand people.
President Hifikepunye Pohamba, who officially inaugurated the plant, complemented the company for this step, noting that it has made impressive achievements over the years with regard to fisheries issues. With a business age of over 55 years in the fishing sector, the company has proudly succeeded in playing a leading role in the catching, processing and the marketing of Namibian fish products to both the local and the export markets. The president notes that the company has always been committed to investing into strategies that created more jobs and assisting to establish Namibia as a leader in oyster production and exports.
He said that an investment of that magnitude was a welcome response to the Namibian Government’s call to build a vibrant and sustainable fishing industry. The president noted that the Namibian government was proud of this achievement and urged them to continue in its efforts towards the creation of sustainable, long term employment opportunities for Namibians. The president stressed that the fishing industry can only grow, if the companies make strategic decisions to invest in appropriate infrastructure and technologies that will enable them to complete globally.
Meanwhile, Minister of fisheries and Marine resources, Dr. Abraham Iyambo also made use of the opportunity to inform the public that out of N$4, 6 billion of fish produced in Namibia in 2008, a total of N$1, 1 billion of that value is derived from value added fish products.
On His part, the Governor of the Erongo Region, Governor Nuuyoma added that Tunacor was indeed a company which never seems to put an end to amazing results, such as the edition of its IQF Value addition Factory. He says the company has for years held excellent relations with its stakeholders, customers as well as the Walvis Bay, Erongo and Namibian community as a whole, through its excellent planning and business ventures, with regard to fisheries issues. He further noted that despite many challenges including climatic changes and exchange rates over the years, the company has always managed to hold head above water, something that can be attributed to the good relations and excellent planning. This is a company that always does its best to improve operations for the benefit of its customers.
Walvis Bay Urban Constituency Office Inaugurated
The Erongo Regional Council recently had the inauguration of its Walvis Bay Urban constituency office. The office will serve as an important venue for residents of the constituency to come together to discuss matters related to the development in their constituency.
President Hifikepunye Pohamba, who official inaugurated the office, described it as a milestone in the Namibian government’s drive to bring government closer to the people and to provide communities with easier access to their elected representatives. The president noted that he expected the office to do its best in addressing the development challenges facing the people of the constituency. He described the office as public investment that is meant to give people access and the possibility to bring their concerns to the attention of elected representatives.
He also urged residents of Walvis Bay to utilize the office as an avenue to make suggestions regarding improvements in public service delivery, particularly to the vulnerable members of society such as the elderly, people living with disabilities, orphans and children in general. He also urged regional councilors to ensure that the facility is in full function at relevant times, in order to serve as a venue for people to access information about the Namibian government. He adds that it is only when people have access to information that they can meaningfully participate and make informed choices and contribute to the upliftment of the constituency and the region as a whole.
The president, who singled out issues such as HIV/AIDS, Orphans and vulnerable children, training of youth, prevention of crime and violence against women and children as worrying social evils, as priorities for the constituency.
The Swapo party Government has built offices for regional and local authorities and constituency offices around the country since 1990 when the country gained its independence. This is done in line with the decentralization policy which was adopted to ensure political, economic, social and administrative empowerment for all people at local level.
The president also planted a tree at the opening of the facilities.
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