Namib Independent Issue 186

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Police warn 'witchdoctors' not to cheat the people!

We have managed to attract more abnormal road hauliers to transport these abnormal roads from Walvis Bay to neighbouring countries,

The Chief Executive Officer of the Erongo Regional Electricity Distributor Company (Erongo Red), Robert Kahimise during this weeks Erongo Red Media Day

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"We cannot ignore the plight of our rural residents. That is what drives Erongo Red. People are crying for power!"

Continued on Page 3

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“Swakopmund Ideal Place for a University and Student Life”

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Maria Davel-Wallis

Several members of the public have, in the past week, made calls for a University in Swakopmund to serve the coastal community and the Erongo region. They say there is much room and opportunity for a project of this magnitude in the coastal town, and that it should be considered as one of the most important matters on the development agenda for the town and the region.

The call that serious consideration and deliberation in this regard be done, was made at a recent public meeting in the coastal town.

Residents have referred to the great concentration of skill and knowledge in the coastal town, and say a university campus will be ideal to tap from this pool, to bring higher education nearer to thousands of residents residing here and to help diversify the coastal

Donna Collins

Witchdoctors, healing churches and 'medicine men' are being reeled in by the law to stamp out unscrupulous practices and money making

schemes that are cheating the public, and effecting the well being of the community.

During an unusual meeting held with a dozen 'spiritual healers', Sgt Shapumba (Head Community Policing Erongo

Region) said emphatically that if these men and women practise outside of the law, there will be severe consequences to pay.

The gathering of 'spiritual healers' took place at the Mondesa Police Station earlier

Sgt Shapumba (Head Community Policing Erongo Region) with Sgt Areseb engaged in meeting with 'traditional healers' at the Mondesa Police Station this week. (Photo Donna Collins)

Thursday, 25 February 20162 news

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DiSClAiMER:Namib independent is published by Halfround Communications CC. All rights are reserved. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within, no liability can be accepted by the publishers or contributors for any errors, misstatements or omissions which may have occurred. The opinions expressed in the publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Also, the publishers accept no legal liability regarding copyright ownership for material which was supplied directly to the publishers by any of the advertisers or contributors.

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End of an era For Café Treff

Erongo Red has delivered the goods - Kahimise

Donna Collins

For over 50 decades Café Treff Punkt, has been the must do for visitors and locals to gather where the aroma of rich filter coffee, fresh breads and an abundance of confectionary fills the air, in a timeless traditional German atmosphere.

With coffee shops and in-house bakeries springing up like mushrooms in Swakopmund over the years, the old German architecture, and somewhat out-dated interior of Café Treff, has declared this once lively meeting place - redundant in a new world.

Competition from all quarters has squeezed them out of the market. And with the ever shrinking pie, a business decision by its owners and managers was made to close the doors of Café Treff by the end of February, marking the end of an old chapter in Swakopmund.

Café Treff Punkt which changed ownership over the decades was opened in the 70's and is currently owned by the Pohl family. It has been closely tied to the successful South West Bakery Group. This includes the Putensen Baker with its history dating back to 1903, the Przybylski Bakery and the Hansa Bakery, which in addition to being the production line, it has fed Café Treff's display counters with fresh breads, brötchens and mouth-watering patisseries.

In fact there is such a deep rooted history attached here, the story goes that the Putensen Bakery which was established in 1903 was completely destroyed by a bomb. The building complex was later rebuilt and still today many architectural features of the old building remain as the facade to the Café Treff.

Speaking to Gilbert Rohda (GM SW

Bakery Group), he expressed his sadness at this decision, saying that times have changed so drastically, it is not economically viable to keep the doors open any more.

"We were once the first coffee shop on the main street of Swakopmud, now there are nine outlets in a short radius that are in direct competition to us, and we need to sell more than one cup of coffee to survive," he said, pointing to an almost empty place with just two people seated on that particular afternoon.

Of the 14 staff that are being re-trenched many of them have given their service for over 20 to 30 years, and Rhoda said that this was the most difficult part of the decision. He did mention that they will all be able to apply for positions at the three bakeries. In addition the Przybylski Bakery in town is going to being re-

vamped and will absorb many of their valued staff members as well.

Rhoda explained that once the premises are closed they will be renting out a portion of the space to a sports shop. The other section will be turned into a smaller coffee shop run by new owners, who will utilise the kitchen facility, outside courtyard for customers and will still carry the Café Treff name.

This new venture, he said will open up after two months and he is hoping that the new owners will continue with the legacy of offering the German confectionary and breads supplied from the legendary Hansa Bakery, to keep the tradition going.

"This place has a long history, and Café Treff Punkt is not a building it’s a name that carries a lot of memories," concluded Rhoda.

Three long serving staff members of Cafe Treff Punkt who have worked between 20 to 30 years with the company, will be saying farewell to their job this week-end as the 50-year-old legendary coffee shop closes its doors: they are Delila Noabes, Elista Viras

and Mathilda Maletzky. (Photo Donna Collins)

Absalom Shigwedha

The Chief Executive Officer of the Erongo Regional Electricity Distributor Company (Erongo Red), Robert Kahimise, says the company has done a lot towards bringing about good services, which has also resulted in an increased number of customers.

On Friday last week, Erongo Red held a media day at its headquarters at Walvis Bay, where Kahimise and other senior staff members, briefed journalists on the various activities which the company has accomplished and the current challenges it is going through.

Mr Kahimise was full of praise for the coastal media, noting that he really has deep respect for the outstanding role the media plays in promoting an informed society and that the media acts as watchdog to protect public interest and create public awareness.

Erongo Red started its operations on 1 July 2005 with 100 employees and currently provides jobs to 301 people. Kahimise noted that, at the moment, Erongo Red has 35,000 customers and has set up 28 pay-points in various towns.

Erongo Red also allows households to put up solar panels on the roofs of their houses to produce renewable energy, which they sell back to Erongo Red. “Regional Call Centres have also been established to attend to complaints and queries,” said Kahimise.

He said the company was putting in a huge gear to provide electricity to rural areas under their power providing jurisdiction. At the moment, he said, rural connection is as low as 6%. “We cannot ignore the plight of our rural residents. That is what drives Erongo Red. People are crying for power,” Kahimise stressed. The rural electrification project for Erongo Red will be launched soon, according to Kahimise.

He said the company was also planning to set up a renewable energy plant which will be brought into the main feed. “We need to have a sustainable business able to feed its people,” he added, saying that the company has also reduced energy loss from 11% in the past to a current low of 7%.

Some of the strategic objectives the company has set for itself include ensuring financial sustainability, diversifying their reliance on NamPower by increasing

access to renewable energy, enhancing customer/stakeholder relations, improving quality of supply and service, developing a customer focused staff, maintaining affordable tariffs, developing and implementing an electrification master plan and maintaining and investing in network infrastructure.

He said, given the importance of electricity to the region, they are cognisant of the need to upgrade the network capacity of various towns within the region. The Walvis Bay bulk upgrade is progressing very well. This is the single largest project with the most significant capital injection made and being undertaken by Erongo Red thus far.

This project, said Kahimise, is about 95% complete and we are planning to show you the progress thus far later. Other projects they are busy with are the renovation of the Head Office, Swakopmund Bulk Upgrade and Streetlight Project in Omaruru and Swakopmund South Water Scheme project. But like all other electricity distributors, Erongo Red is operating in an increasingly challenging environment.

Kahimise said amongst some of these challenges is ageing infrastructure, fast growing local economies, demand outstripping supply and the gradual rise in electricity prices over recent years. Another challenge the electricity supply industry faces is the pressure to supply electricity at an affordable rate while the cost of generating and distributing electricity is rising steeply.

“We are well aware of these challenges and we are constantly engaging all our stakeholders and other role players to keep abreast of these challenges,” he concluded.

3 Thursday, 25 February 2016

Dunes Mall brings growth to WalvisDonna Collins

After a ding dong battle between two giant developers, it is all systems go for the N$650-million Dunes Mall after the two competing companies Atterbury Properties and Safland Property Group put aside their differences to join forces for what is being dubbed as the largest shopping centre in the Erongo Region.

Instead of Atterbury and Safland attempting to develop two separate malls just opposite each other, the "two heads is better than one" concept brought the plan to fruition, with a decision to sink the foundations, onto the larger of the two independent sites, and create something bigger and better that the town can be proud of.

“This construction and completion of the Dunes Mall is particularly important for Walvis Bay for many reasons," said Walvis Bay Mayor Immanuel Wilfred. "First and foremost, the construction phase will restore the dignity of our people who will participate in the construction phase as contractors or sub-contractors thereby generating wealth through their companies and providing the much needed

employment in our city."Also, the arrival of a new

shopping regional mall will allow our residents and visitors alike to access a variety of product and services, but most important the employment prospects it will offer our people," he continued. "The decision by Atterbury and Safland to build a regional mall in our city is a clear indication of the growth potential of Walvis Bay and the fact that they have full confidence and trust in the administration and leadership available in our Port City."

The Dunes Mall will be co-developed on the prime piece of real estate situated just off the Diaz circle, at the intersection of the airport and Swakopmund roads. The Dunes Mall will offer shoppers approximately 30 000 square metres of shopping space with about 60 to 80 shops. Checkers have been secured as an anchor tenant, while other suitable tenants identified to fill this rentable area.

Kallie van der Merwe (CEO Safland Property Group) told the media this week that this decision was made three weeks ago to co-develop the Dunes Mall, as Walvis Bay is currently still too small to justify two competing shopping centres, despite the town’s rapid

The N$650-mil Walvis Bay Dunes Mall is going to be co-developed by Atterbury Properties and Safland Property Group and is dubbed as the

biggest shopping complex in the region

Kallie van der Merwe (CEO Safland Proerty Group)

growth. "We made a decision to build one truly magnificent mall the larger of the two sites which would allow for future expansion," he said.

Van der Merwe mentioned that the mall will be one level with large interlocked parking facility, and that the earthworks have started with construction which is set to commence in April. A contractor is still to be appointed.

"If all goes well, we aim to complete the project by November 2017, and Dunes Mall, once completed, will become the

largest shopping mall in Namibia outside Windhoek, underlining the importance of the town as a growth node in the country."

He also stated that the Dunes Mall will be a great driver for much needed job creation in Walvis Bay with approximately 700 retail job opportunities available, with at least 500 site workforces being employed during the construction process.

"We both had our planning in place with architect plans drawn up, but once a decision was made to co-develop we revised the plans to add

some space whilst working on the core design," he explained, he added saying that one of the most important factors when putting up a building in Walvis Bay is to develop a structure that can withstand the elements of the harbour town.

This is not the first time that these two shopping mall developers have teamed up, as they previously co-developed the Grove Mall of Namibia in Windhoek. Dunes Mall once completed will be housed in the Nguni Property Fund, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Tradehold Group, which will be listed on the NSX later this year.

Continued from Page 1

news

Continued from Page 1

Vandals and thieves leave their mark at Mass Housing site

economy, which depends heavily on mining and tourism at the moment, into a knowledge-based economy.

“Of course we can debate about which chairs or faculties should be included and hosted at the coastal campus, but it would be so good to know we are making good use of the skills and knowledge pool here. And it would attract even more skill and knowledge. Why do we, the people of this vibrant, coastal community have to send our children to other places, while we have a beautiful town with all the necessary established services and ideal weather for studying, right here?” it was argued.

Many say, it would make much sense against the background of expectations that Walvis Bay is to become an essential commercial gateway to Southern Africa, and

“Swakopmund University”

Irua Uaaka, an accountant at the Erongo Regional Council, and one of the Swakopmunders who called for a university and campus to be developed here in

the coastal town.

Marshallino Beukes

After the national Mass Housing project was called to a halt last year, most of these houses were left to the mercy of wind, weather and also thieves and vandals.

A visit to the Walvis Bay Mass Housing site this week revealed a sore sight. Broken windows, damaged built-in cupboards, doors, showers and basins were silent witnesses, after vandals and thieves left their mark. A spokesperson at the Walvis Bay municipality noted that it was the responsibility of National Housing Enterprise (NHE) to oversee the houses and not theirs. NHE, on their turn, commented that it was the Ministry’s duty to safeguard these houses. The NHE spokesperson however noted that the contractor is back on the site and “they (contractor) will fix the vandalised houses.”

Eighty-nine out of the 1 995 houses to be built at the harbour town were handed over in 2014 by former President Hifikipunye Pohamba.

this week, which was the first of its kind in Swakopmund, following a similar briefing with the Walvis Bay 'practitioners', where the police feel the need to educate them on what is right and wrong.

According to Sgt Shapumba, it is necessary to engage with these people to discuss pertinent issues, as there have been many complaints from the community who are being preyed upon by these 'traditional healers', and there is no law that regulates their practises.

"There are swindlers and charlatans amongst us who are using this loophole to take advantage of people in desperate times," he said. "They extort their money under false pretences, tear families apart and are indirectly responsible for rapes, domestic violence and organised offences.

"You must practice a strict sense of decency when people come to you for help, and we need to stop the dishonest practises taking place, to stamp out imposter criminal activities of those who are operating behind the veil of being 'spiritual healers'."

'witchdoctors'"The public are complaining that

they are being cheated of their money, because when they come to you with their problems they are desperate and believe you can help them, but they just take the money and run without offering a service," he added.

Shapumba sited incidents where women are being fondled inappropriately during these 'consultations', while advice being metered out incites rapes, killings, domestic violence and theft amongst others.

He said the public are being conned, swindled and influenced to behave wrongfully, which is why the police are engaging these 'healers' and setting boundaries. "The police want you to know that you have a duty to be responsible in your dealings with the public and practice what you are doing with integrity.

"When a crime is committed through these practices then your

duty is to report it, because if you send people to kill people through your workings then you are guilty.

"If a woman comes to you to be healed, it is against the law to touch her body parts, and this can be considered rape - it is honestly up to you people to behave in a proper manner if you are going to continue your practise as 'traditional healers'.

He said that the police want to work with established 'spiritual healers' in the region, and create a system where they can form a united front. Practitioners need to be identified as authentic 'spiritual healers' to maintain an element of order amongst themselves, as well as keeping imposters at bay.

The purpose of the meeting ended off on a positive note, with a clear message that those who attended must go out and spread the word to other 'traditional healers', and that they will be setting up representative committees in each town.

that it will be the biggest city in Namibia within the next decade.

A university campus at the coast would certainly soon be a necessity, and Swakopmund would certainly be the perfect address, they say.


Namcol enrolment escalates

No more mercy for fake pastors, churches

Marshallino Beukes

The Erongo area coordinator for the Namibian College of Open Learning (Namcol), Mr Clifford Block, this week indicated that more than 3000 students registered for Namcol classes in the Erongo Region this year, which tops last year’s enrolment figures.

The cut-off date for registration was 12 February, but according to Mr Block they are still being bombarded with telephone calls from people begging to be enrolled, with some going as far as asking

if a “plan” cannot be made for a “special” exception. The show is however on the road with Walvis Bay Grade 10 and 12 students being tutored at Kuisebmond Secondary School, Duinesig Combined School, Tutaleni Primary School and De Duine High School. In Swakopmund, the tutors are in full swing, educating the candidates at Coastal High School.

Examination fees for Grade 10 and 12 part-time candidates are payable on, or before 6 April 2016. First-time takers (Grade 10) will have to pay N$38.00 per subject, while re-sit candidates will have

to cough-up N$45.50 per subject. As for the Grade 12 part-time candidates, a fee of N$90.00 per subject will be applicable for first-time takers. Re-sit candidates will have to pay N$108.00 per subject. All candidates must write the examination at the centre where he or she registered. Candidates who fail to pay their examination fees before or on the due date will not be allowed to write the examination.

In conclusion Mr Block urged, especially the Grade 10 candidates, to make sure their assignments are handed in by the due dates, as their year-mark depends on these assignments.

Mr Clifford Block, Namcol Area Coordinator (Erongo)

Marshallino Beukes

The writing is on the wall for self-proclaimed preachers and their churches at the coast, says Nampol’s Community Affairs Officer (Erongo), Sergeant Ileni Shapumba, commenting that the police have communicated and warned the culprits enough and from now on stern action will be taken against them.

In the same breath, Shapumba commended the local traditional healers for their positive cooperation with the police. According to him the Walvis Bay traditional healers established their own committee after being addressed by the police regarding public complaints a while ago. The committee gave feedback by way of providing the police with the names and physical addresses of local traditional healers, and by doing so, enabling the police to trace down any of these healers, should complaints be reported. “These people have respect for the country’s laws and are willing to be corrected and to co-operate with authorities, which is commendable,” Shapumba stated. However, in contradiction with before mentioned, some churches under the leadership of self-proclaimed pastors or prophets have no respect for other

people, nor authorities and are of great concern, Sergeant Shapumba fumed. “Community members are being brainwashed and manipulated by these fake pastors and prophets. It seems that people have to buy faith nowadays,” he remarked. He compared them with organised crime syndicates, further noting that “they must have some screws lose in their heads.” According to Shapumba the most common complaint they get from the public, regarding these churches, is excessive noise pollution, which is contravening the bylaws of the Local Authorities. The police cannot take action against the culprits unless complaints from the public are received, as the ball actually is in the Municipality’s hands, said Shapumba. He noted that they are currently in the process of organising a meeting with the Local Authorities, in order to discuss this public “nuisance.”

He concluded by warning that the police are fed-up with this scenario and culprits will from now onwards be charged, fined and these churches might even be removed. “We are not going to talk anymore, otherwise we will become the noisemakers. Please co-operate with the police and respect other people, as well as the country’s laws, so the police can put their focus on serious matters,” was his message to the wrongdoers.

Fed-up: Sergeant Ileni Shapumba

5 Thursday, 25 February 2016 news

Fashion World up in flames

Swakop Community Lauded for its Input at Public Strategic Meetings

Maria Davel-Wallis

The Mayor of Swakopmund, Paulina Ndahafa Nashilundo, and the acting CEO of the Swakopmund Municipality, Marco Swarts, have lauded members of the community for their participation and input at four public meetings in the coastal town, focussing on the municipality’s strategic plan for the next five to ten years. The meetings were conducted at different venues in Swakopmund on 14, 16, 18 and 21 February.

People had been invited to come and share ideas and make suggestions, and feedback was also given at the meetings regarding previous meetings and points on the development agenda. The Mayor expressed her satisfaction with the turn-out and the constructive input at the meetings. She said she was impressed by the spirit in which the public participated, and that issues put forward were very valid.

Many issues were raised, concerning future development, housing, water and electricity, infrastructure, roads and road safety, community policing and safety, recreation facilities, and community gardens. The upgrading of Mondesa, a call that government channel monies from major role players like mines back into the community for the benefit of the people and the region, the unique features of Swakopmund,

and its potential as a host for more industries were highlighted.

Well-known architect Erhard Roxin was one of many members present, who congratulated the Municipality on the way in which they are managing the town – he said they were doing an excellent job and that Swakopmund was known to be the best-managed town in Namibia – something the councillors and those before them, should feel very proud of.

Roxin pleaded that the uniqueness and special character of Swakopmund be protected and kept, also through policy making and strategic planning for the next decade, and that the municipality refrains from changing the height restrictions in Swakopmund. He suggested that density rather be increased. He also suggested that the focus in future developments be placed on people, especially pedestrians and not traffic and vehicles per se.

Acting CEO Marco Swarts said the council was delighted with the way in which people have participated, and with the quality and significance of the input provided. He said the four meetings were held in a most positive and constructive way, and was of high value to the council. The input of the community would be incorporated into the strategic plan for the next term, and implemented as funds allocated allowed.

The Namib Independent will in the coming weeks focus on several specific topics and issues raised.

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Marshallino Beukes

The well-known clothing outlet, Fashion World in Walvis Bay was burned down to ashes last Saturday night and fire fighters had to put all their skills to the test, in order to avoid the raging fire to spread to

adjacent business premises. It is suspected that the fire was

caused by a short circuit in one of the outlet’s offices. The fire started at around 19h30 and it took the Walvis Bay Municipal Fire & Rescue Services firefighters about three hours to get it under control.


JJ’s Care Centre in need of assistance

Rainbow children strive for perfection

Walvis Bay braces for launch of new publication

Absalom Shigwedha

A new publication entitled 'Walvis Bay: Coming of Age,' published by the Municipality of Walvis Bay, will be officially launched at the harbour town next month, says a senior official at the town's Municipality.

Kevin Adams, the Public Relations Manager at the Walvis Bay Municipality, said the 216-page publication will be officially launched in Walvis Bay during March 2016.

The publication chronicles the historical journey Walvis Bay voyaged since its integration into the rest of Namibia to present day, to celebrate 21

years of independence.While Namibia got its independence in

1990, the harbour town remained part of South Africa until it was integrated into Namibia in 1994.

Before it was integrated to Namibia, founding President Sam Nujoma, refused to set his feet in Walvis Bay, until the town become part and parcel of Namibia. Former Walvis Bay Mayor, Uilika Nambahu, said the book is a fascinating story.

The publication contains striking photographs taken by prolific photographer Volker Pesch and many others.

The Walvis Bay Publication (cover)

Marshallino Beukes

Walvis Bay resident, Zuleka Appollis’ big heart and deep-rooted care for children, especially dyslectic and autistic children, have paved the way for a home-school for these children at Walvis Bay’s Narraville suburb.

This special home-school, Bubble’s Dyslectic and Autism School for Rainbow Kids, is her brainchild and according to Zuleka, the idea of establishing such a school kicked in about four years ago. The friendly, humble and bit shy teacher noted to Namib Independent that she started off with two kids, one of them dyslectic, after the kids’ father gave her a call to ask if it was possible for her to look after the kids during the day. “My talent was jump-started in the House of the Lord, as I used to attend to crying babies and toddlers in church, comforting them at a silent corner at the back of the church,” says Zuleka.

She currently oversees and teaches ten children, of whom most are dyslectic. Most of the local schools do not want to accommodate dyslectic children, as they are not skilled to work

with these very special children, she stated. The home-school also caters for after-school care and currently, approximately 20 school going children (Grades 0-8) spend their afternoons there, doing their homework, studying and reading. Bible study, followed by intensive reading is two of Zuleka’s main focus points. According to her, the children write their examinations under the Impact System and she receives their examination papers directly from Pretoria, South Africa, where after it is sent back there. She emphasised the fact that her husband, kids and family fully support her with this noble endeavour.

Running such a school, however, is not always moonlight and roses and the school is in need of more stationery and books. Zuleka also noted that she would love to create an outside play-area for the kids, as any child should be able to play freely in the fresh air. She is also aiming to create job opportunities and her first employee (teacher) will start working next month.

The home-school is situated in Sheptone Street, Narraville and Good Samaritans who would like to contribute to the upliftment of this home-school can contact Zuleka at 081 146 9525.

Staff reporter

JJ`s Care Centre, a Walvis Bay-based Edu-Therapy and Educational Centre for all types of children, is humbly asking companies and individuals for assistance, in order to make it possible to continue providing Educational opportunities to all children attending the Centre.

According to Ms Kim Koch, the Centre, which opened its doors on 1 September 2014, relies solely on the good hearts of the Namibian community for donations. It was inspired by her son, Justin Joshua Koch (6), hence the name JJ`s, who has Cerebral Palsy.

The Centre provides a broad variety of programs. Offering stimulation and therapy for children with disabilities, individualized education to learners with learning difficulties such as dyslexia, sign language workshops & education to deaf children and children with speech problems as well as providing Grade 1-12 for Home

schooling students. Ms Koch noted that they currently have 39 children at the Centre. “We also have a homework centre where we help children with homework, as well as children with reading problems or who need that extra one on one attention,” she remarked.

Due to such a big demand for one on one teaching, specialised education and a great need for a facility like this, they have been on the lookout for a bigger premises. They recently managed to find a new premises, which offers ample space, separate classrooms, a playground and more room for growth, and will be moving into 192 Hage Geingob Street on 31 March 2016. Many of the items and furniture they use belong to the church where they are currently operating and will need to replace it at the new premises.

The Care Centre would like to graciously ask for assistance from companies or individuals towards any of the following: 6 x white writing boards and whiteboard

markers, 6 x bookshelves, 1 x T.V. and DVD machine (used for sign language programs), 10 x single mattresses, 4 plate stove, microwave, fridge, 6 x standing fans, curtains with hooks for a 7 bedroom house, 10 x tables (used for grade 7/9 class), 20 x plastic chairs ( used for grade 7/9 class), exercise writing books/exam pads, toys, puzzles and story books, 2 x two seater couches (used in disabled class/toddler class), Industrial/heavy duty printer/copier, kitchen items such as plastic cutlery, plastic plates/bowls, big pots with lids (to cook food to feed 40 kids), interior/exterior paint for the new premises, JJ`s Care Centre sign board (front wall of new premises).

“The support of donors are helping us to make it possible for children attending the centre to lead happier and more independent lives with endless opportunities,” Ms Koch remarked.

She concluded by encouraging anyone who would like to come and assist them with moving on 31 March.

PROUDLY BREWED BY NAMIBIA BREWERIESPROUDLY BREWED BY NAMIBIA BREWERIES


Increase of abnormal loads via Walvis Bay

Inline Hockey Youth Development Camp and Goalie Clinic

As the Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG) continues to connect southern Africa to the rest of the world, part of our strategic initiative for the current five-year plan has been to facilitate the growth of abnormal and project cargo through Walvis Bay. We have been in contact with various shipping

lines, abnormal load transporters and other service providers to create more awareness about this opportunity and have seen a significant increase in abnormal loads via the Walvis Bay route with goods destined to other SADC markets such as Zambia, Botswana, South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Walvis Bay is connected with good shipping services providing an option for shippers from Europe and North America to supply bulk, containerized and breakbulk shipments such as abnormal loads to our neighbouring countries in the shortest possible time. The Port of Walvis Bay has over the past year acquired a number of mobile cranes

Sport reporter

Last weekend, thirty-eight young inline hockey players from the various clubs across the country attended the first Youth Development Camp of the year. It was held at the Swakopmund Indoor Sport Centre and run by Matt Wojcik, the Kamikaze Club coach, assisted by Brian Sobel, the Coastal Pirates Club coach and Namibia’s Head Coach.

The focus was on improving skating skills, puck handling and shooting abilities. Aside from learning a great deal, the kids also enjoyed playing the various games designed to improve their abilities,

and got to know kids from the other clubs. At the same time, on the second court,

seventeen goalies of varying skill level from beginners to advanced Namibian national team players, attended a Goalie Clinic. This was run by Nick Marrone, who has recently arrived from America to be the coach for the Scorpions Club in Otjiwarongo. He has years of experience in goalie training and is a goaltender himself. Focusing on each individual’s ability, he helped to develop and refine their skills, improving agility and hand-eye co-ordination, and training the mind and body, by means of repetition, to develop sound muscle memory.

New Executive Committee for Kuiseb River Basin

Absalom Shigwedha

THE Kuiseb Basin Management Committee (KBMC) now has a new Executive Committee, whose members were elected at the organization's stakeholders meeting held on Tuesday at the Gobabeb Research and Training Centre (GRTC) in Orongo region.

The meeting was attended by representatives of KBMC member organizations and stakeholders. Members of the new Executive Committee will serve for three years on a voluntary basis and consists of chairperson, Ignatius Kauvee from the Namibian Coast Conservation and Management Project and Sue Roux (vice-chair) from the Coastal Environmental Trust of Namibia.

Programme Manager for the Strategic Environmental Management Plan for Uranium at Gobabeb, Hiskia Mbura, was elected as the treasurer.

Ignatius Sikongo, an official in the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry at Walvis Bay who is the Basin Support Officer, will serve as the secretariat to the Executive Committee, but as an ex-officio.

Joel Kooitjie from the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry and Arnold Uwukhaeb are additional members. The Executive Committee of the KBMC has been dormant for a long time after the previous Basin Support Officer left the position to another Directorate in the Ministry in 2013, according to Sikongo, who organized Tuesday's meeting.“This led to lack of coordination in the KBMC,” said Sikongo, who took up the position last May.

The election was conducted by the National Coordinator for the Basins Management Committee in the Ministry of Agriculture, Water

and Forestry, Aune Amwaama. The meeting also reviewed the 2004 Constitution of the KBMC to be able to address new and emerging challenges in the management of the Kuiseb River Basin.

The overall objective of the KBMC is to ensure efficient and equitable access to water and sustainable integrated use of related resources in the Kuiseb River Basin. The Kuiseb River originates just west of Windhoek and runs through the Namib Desert, providing water to the Topnaar community and other communal and commercial farmers who live along it as well as to the coastal towns of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund.

The KBMC members, amongst others, are drawn from commercial farmers, communal farmers, Khomas Regional Council, Directorate of Water Resources Management, Municipality of Walvis Bay, NamWater, Gobabeb Research

and Training Centre, Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Erongo Regional Council, Coastal Environmental Trust of Namibia.

The KBMC is accountable to the general basin stakeholders or everyone who lives in the Kuiseb River Basin or derives benefits from its resources. Riverine vegetation of

the Kuiseb River is a critical resource to the survival of these communities and farmers and the livestock and wildlife.

It supplys abundance of trees and livestock and wildlife depend on it for water. When it flows, it helps to recharge underground aquifers in the vicinity.

KUISEB RIVER PEOPLE: A group of people who attended the Kuiseb River Basin Stakeholders meeting at Gobabeb on Tuesday, who elected a new five-member Executive Committee of the Kuiseb Basin

Management Committee. Photo: Absalom Shigwedha

to support the multipurpose dimension of cargo handling while we have seen more abnormal truckers exploring Walvis Bay as a faster and safer entry route into the SADC region.

Last year, vehicles continued to dominate Namibian imports with more than N$2.7 billion spent on these in the first quarter of the year. Second on the list was the importation of boilers, machinery and other equipment, no doubt represented by the large number of abnormal loads Namibian roads have seen of late, to the value of N$2.4 billion.

International heavy-lift, specialized transport and plant installation company, Vanguard, is one of the companies that use the Walvis Bay route for the transportation of abnormal loads. The company is handling a contract where it has to translocate 15 and install nine 110t transformers for power generation from Walvis Bay, to the Democratic Republic of Congo. The contract, which began in 2015, continues apace this year, with a further six transformers in the pipeline for installation. On commencement of the contract, Vanguard made use of its heavy-lift facility in Walvis Bay to discharge the vessel and off-load the transformers into temporary storage, ready to be re-loaded for transport.

Director at Vanguard, Craig Pace, said that having heavy-lift facilities makes for greater efficiency, especially in terms of timeous discharging of ships, lower mobilisation costs and quicker access to

the quayside. Indeed, in order to extend its services to customers working in Namibia, the DRC, Zambia and other southern African countries, Vanguard has this year extended its facilities on a 1,000 m2 site at the Port of Walvis Bay.

“As mineral shipments through the port at Walvis Bay from DRC and Zambia increases, this port is likely to become an important node for southern Africa and hence the upgrade of our facilities,” said Pace.

Vanguard adds that having heavy-lift port facilities at Walvis Bay removes the necessity for road permits or abnormal clearances between the quayside and the storage yard, which streamlines the process for customers.

“Cargo can now be received in a direct discharge area, for relocation to a dedicated heavy load storage and handling area; it can then be off-loaded for temporary storage and loaded onto the transport trailers as required,” said Pace.

Other abnormal loads transported via the Walvis Bay route last year include amongst others tanks, fire trucks, ploughing machines, harbour cranes, crushers, and excavator/graders. “We have managed to attract more abnormal road hauliers to transport these abnormal roads from Walvis Bay to neighbouring countries,” said CEO of the WBCG, Johny Smith.

9 Thursday, 25 February 2016

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Thursday, 25 February 201610 Worldwide

WorldwideMorgan Freeman is finally a GPS navigation voiceLife is full of questions: Where are we going? How do we get there? Who will guide us? Experience has taught us there is really only one person we can fully trust for those answers: POTUS, Red Redding, and the voice of God himself, Morgan Freeman. So now he is ready to firmly-but-gently give us the advice we so desperately need – as a GPS navigation voice.

Freeman is the latest celebrity voice to be added to Google’s free navigation app, Waze. So now you can rely on Freeman’s dulcet tones to explain that you need to make a left turn in half a mile to get to Starbucks.

Of course, Google is not just paying Freeman who-knows-what to create some joy in our drive-time lives. The voice feature is a marketing tie-in for Freeman’s upcoming film, London Has Fallen (the sequel to Olympus Has Fallen). Freeman plays the vice president in that movie, and he addresses you, the driver, as if you are the president, which is a bit odd – sort of like non-sexy commuter role play with Morgan Freeman.

Source: www.time.com

Prison drain pipes yield over 100 cut up corpsesRemains of at least 100 dismembered prisoners and visitors have been found in drain pipes at a jail in Colombia’s capital that houses drug traffickers, Marxist rebels and p a r a m i l i t a r i e s , investigators said on Wednesday.

Body parts were found at La Modelo jail in Bogota, one of the Andean nation’s biggest penitentiaries, as well as in jails in the cities of Popayan, Bucaramanga and Barranquilla, said Caterina Heyck, an investigator at the

attorney general’s office.“The number of victims

is unknown, but we know it’s over 100 and could be considerably higher,” she told reporters in Bogota. “Remains of prisoners, visitors and others were thrown in the drainage system.”

Colombian jails are among the most overcrowded and violent in Latin America and accommodate leftist guerrillas alongside their right-wing paramilitary enemies.

Source: www.japantimes.co.jp

Half the world to be short-sighted by 2050Half the world's population (nearly 5 billion) will be short-sighted (myopic) by 2050, with up to one-fifth of them (1 billion) at a significantly increased risk of blindness if current trends continue, says a study published in the journal Ophthalmology.

The number with vision loss from high myopia is expected to increase seven-fold from 2000 to 2050, with myopia to become a leading cause of permanent blindness worldwide.

The rapid increase in the prevalence of myopia globally is attributed to, "environmental factors (nurture), principally lifestyle changes resulting from a combination of decreased time outdoors and increased near work activities, among other factors," say the authors from Brien Holden Vision Institute, University of New South Wales Australia and Singapore Eye Research Institute.

The findings point to a major public health problem, with the authors suggesting that planning for comprehensive eye care services are

needed to manage the rapid increase in high myopes (a five-fold increase from 2000), along with the development of treatments to control the progression of myopia and prevent people from becoming highly myopic.

"We also need to ensure our children receive a regular eye examination from an optometrist or ophthalmologist, preferably each year, so that preventative strategies can be employed if they are at risk," said co-author Professor Kovin Naidoo, CEO of Brien Holden Vision Institute. "These strategies may include increased time outdoors and reduced time spent on near based activities including electronic devices that require constant focussing up close.

"Furthermore there are other options such as specially designed spectacle lenses and contact lenses or drug interventions but increased investment in research is needed to improve the efficacy and access of such intervention

Source: www.sciencedaily.com

Nasa to release recordings from the far side of the moonThe dark side of the moon has always held a mystical fascination for stargazers – so when the crew of one of the first missions to orbit it heard strange music in their headsets, they were so surprised they weren't sure whether or not to report it. The sounds were heard by the three astronauts on the Apollo 10 launch in 1969 while they were out of the range of terrestrial radio broadcasts.

Two months before Apollo 11 landed two men on the moon for the first time, the crew of Apollo 10 – Commander Thomas P. Stafford, Command Module Pilot John W. Young, Lunar Module Pilot Eugene A. Cernan – entered lunar orbit as part of a "dress rehearsal" for the Apollo 11 moon landings. This included spending an hour crossing the far side of the moon, which blocked all contact with Earth.

While they were out of radio contact with Nasa's mission control, they heard sounds described as "whistling" in declassified mission transcripts. Recordings of what

happened were classified for 40 years, but they have recently been recovered, and the music is to be revealed on the Science Channel's series, Nasa's Unexplained Files.

The sounds lasted for the full hour of the crew crossed over the dark side. Mission transcripts reveal the three men talking about the noises and discussing what to do, but do not identify who was speaking.

One of the crew says: "You hear that? That whistling sound? Whooooooooo!"

"It sounds like, you know, outer space-type music," another replies.

Later, one says: "I tell you, that music is really weird."

"No one will believe us," replies a colleague.

On the show, Apollo 15 astronaut Al Worden says: "The Apollo 10 crew was very used to the kind of noise that they should be hearing. Logic tells me that if there was something recorded on there, then there was something there."

Possible explanations including a magnetic field, or atmosphere

interfering with the radio are discussed on the show, but according to experts, the moon has no magnetic field and not enough atmosphere to cause interference.

Nasa has recorded "sounds" in space before, which aren't waves travelling in air, but electromagnetic waves that pulse through the vacuum of space. Several Nasa probes have recorded these waves and when they are translated in a form audible to the human ear, they can become quite unworldly.

"We'd had a lot of incidents where guys who flew in space saw and heard things that they didn't recognize, and you wonder about all of that," Worden told the Huffington Post. "I have a very open mind about what could've happened. It's somebody's hearsay evidence – it's only a visual or audio event, which is hard to pin down. Recollection is one thing, but actual proof is something entirely different."

Source: www.ibtimes.co.uk

11 Thursday, 25 February 2016 motoring

MotoringFive things Toyota changed with 8th-Generation Hilux

The Toyota Hilux has achieved unrivalled sales success in South Africa. From its humble beginnings back in 1969, the Hilux has always been the go-to choice for offroad enthusiasts and light commercial applications. Despite the growing popularity of the Ford Ranger and other rival bakkies, the Hilux continues to be a dominant force in the market for Toyota.New enginesWhile there was nothing wrong with the venerable 3.0-litre D4-D turbo diesel, the quest for better fuel economy and

refinement has driven the development of new engines. The 2.7-litre four cylinder and 4.0 V6 petrol engines continue, but Toyota SA claims with revised mapping and management, their fuel economy has improved by 10%.

There is a 2.4-litre GD diesel engine that produces 110 kW and 343 Nm, with a second option having the same power, but more torque at 400 Nm. The new 2.8-litre GD-6 motor has peak outputs of 130 kW and 420 Nm, with the second torque option coming in at 450 Nm. For those who want a petrol Toyota Hilux, the new 2.0-litre makes 102 kW and

183 Nm. However, you can get this engine in workhorse models only.

In terms of transmission, there is a new six-speed automatic as well as a new six-speed manual.4x4 and off-road abilityThe Toyota Hilux is a tough and formidable vehicle in the hands of an experienced 4x4 driver, and the 8th-generation is set to continue this heritage with some new systems. The Hilux 4x4 systems are now activated with a circular knob as opposed to the old-school second gear lever. In 4x4 models, drivers can easily switch between 4WD high, 4WD low range and 2WD just by turning a dial.

The downhill assist is a new feature. It manages braking pressure and prevents rear wheel lockup on steep descents.

Finally, the revised suspension has meant that the new Hilux is able to traverse seriously rocky terrain thanks to offering better wheel articulation than its predecessor.Cabin improvementsGiven the Hilux double cab's popularity with leisure and family vehicle buyers alike, it makes perfect

sense that Toyota would upgrade the bakkie's cabin substantially. Refinement and the ergonomics/driving position are said to have been improved in favour of driver comfort. There is also more rear legroom in the double cab version compared with before.

In terms of gadgetry, there is a new-look infotainment system that resembles a 7-inch tablet. The trim has been improved and the entire fascia looks more modern and arguably better than those of some of Toyota's passenger vehicle offerings.SafetyThe Toyota Hilux may be as tough as nails, but safety is a priority in every new car regardless of make or model. Toyota has introduced driver-side knee airbags in the SRX, SR and Raider models. These do duty alongside the well-known features such as anti-lock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist and driver/passenger airbags.

Isofix mounts are fitted to the double cab models as well as a three-point safety belt in the centre seat. SR, Xtra Cab and Double-cab

Raider models will receive trailer-sway control, which will keep your "Venter" stable when travelling at speed.Under the skinWhile the Toyota Hilux does not look radically different to the outgoing model, the real changes have happened underneath the sheet metal. Bakkies are not the most refined and comfortable of vehicles because they are mostly workhorses, but Toyota claims improved noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) in the 8th-gen Hilux levels thanks to enhanced soundproofing between the cabin and the engine bay. New window seals and deflectors also help to keep noise levels down.

Toyota developed a stronger ladder-frame chassis for the new model. It is meant to be more durable and more rigid, which will aid handling. For those who intend to make full use of the load bay, there is a new floor and tailgate with stronger hinges.

Source: www.cars.co.za

McClune`s Shuttle Started in 2009 and we have grown to be one of the most reputable, safe, reliable and economical means of passenger transport offering a shuttle service between Windhoek, Swakopmund and Walvisbay

McClune`s offer a Reliable Shuttle service between Whk, Swakop and Wbay that guarantees satisfaction on a local and international scale. This is a true alternative that offers a high level of practical experience and knowledge with regards to passenger transportation services. Clients must know that by making use of McClune`s, is a professional and hassle-free way to reach their destinations safely. Our vehicles are branded and easy to identify, which expresses ownership, legality as well as professionalism. For the convenience of the constant growing population at the coastal towns, Windhoek itself and also with the positive economic development at the coast and the town’s along this route, McClunes have decided to amend its current travel time schedules to accommodate the demand for Save Public Transportation on this route. Our schedules are now ideally created in the sense that it connects well with other departing or arriving connecting transfers in Windhoek. These schedules also provide customers with opportunity to plan their trips, flights and personal appointments for whatever reasons and still return to their respective destinations on the same day. All clients are treated equally with dignity and respect, also no smoking and alcoholic drinks are allowed on the shuttles whilst travelling.

McClunes’s Shuttle Services

We operate 7 days a week: Departure Schedules:

Windhoek / Swakopmund / Walvis Bay Shuttle

Visit our new office in Walvis Bay

Tel: +264 64 22 1713 | Fax: +264 64 22 1712Cell: +264 81 128 7916 (Walvis Bookings)

Cell: +264 81 628 5010 (Swakop Bookings)Email: [email protected]

Website: www.mcclunes.com

Bookings are Essential!

Windhoek

Departure 1: at 07h30 - door pickups start at 06h00

Departure 2 *Express: at 10h00 from Bus stop/boarding starts 09h30* Bus stop to Bus stop Express

Departure 3: at 14h00 from Wika/boarding starts at 13h30

Departure 4 *Express: at 17h00 from Wika Service Station/boarding starts 16h30*Bus stop to Bus stop Express

Windhoek-Swakopmund: N$220.00(one way for door drop offs) * Express: N$200.00(one way) bus stops only

Windhoek-Walvis Bay: N$230.00(one way for door drop offs) * Express: N$210.00(one way) bus stops only

Swakopmund

Departure 1: at 08h00 - door pickups starts at 07h00

Departure 2 *Express: at 11h00 from bus stop/boarding starts 10h30*Bus stop to Bus stop Express


Departure 4 *Express: at 18h00 from Bus stop/boarding starts 17h30Bustop to Bus stop Express

Walvis Bay

Departure 1: at 07h00 - door pickups start at 06h00

Departure 2 *Express: at 10h00 - Bus stop/boarding starts 09h30*Bus stop to Bus stop Express


Departure 4 *Express: at 17h00 - Bus stop/boarding starts 16h30* Bus stop to Bus stop Express

Bus stops at spur Restaurant in Walvis Bay

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Namib Independent Issue 186

Documents

Transcript of Namib Independent Issue 186