Ongwediva Town Mayor Taarah Shaalyefu emphasised that, despite budgetary constraints, development remains a top priority to accelerate the town's growth. 

He made these remarks during the commissioning of a 200-metre road connecting the David Shikomba Complex and Oshana Mall, a project costing N$4 million.

Shaalyefu says their commitment is evident, as they last year embarked on the refurbishment and renovation of pump station no. 9 at Efidi Extension 3 to the tune of N$800,000.

Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Eveline !Nawases-Taeyele, stated that the Oshakati Town Council remains committed to holistic urban development strategies that prioritise inclusivity and sustainability. 

She made these remarks during the groundbreaking ceremony for the upgrades of the 111 and 92 roads, along with the construction of a gravity sewer network at Evululuko Extension 1 and Phase 2.

The two projects are set to cost over N$13 million combined with the upgrading of the road leading to the open market.

The Chairperson of People with Disabilities in the Ohangwena Region, Asser Shikongo, has called on the Electoral Commission of Namibia (EC) to, in the build-up to the national elections, be mindful of their responsibilities to citizens with disabilities. 

Representing the Regional Development Coordinating Committee, Shikongo took up the plight of the people with disabilities, saying their democratic rights are not respected, given the unavailability of information related to general voter registration in formats more easily accessible to the community.

The killing of members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, Queer, Intersex, and other (LGBTQI+) communities, with six murders reported in the past eight months, raises questions about their basic rights.

Christof Frederick (30), Gerome Helgrain (41), Vernon Gavin (52), Queen Uwuseb (35), Gurney Uirab (35), and Stanley Cloete (36) are victims of what some label as hate crimes.

The Director of the Legal Aid Centre, Toni Hancox, provided a legal perspective on the matter, highlighting the challenge of identifying these crimes under the Constitution.

The Executive Director in the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) has shared with the nbc-News team the importance of social cooperation between Namibia and Angola.

Ben Nangombe is co-chairing the social sector at the Senior Officials Meeting for the Inaugural Session of the Angola-Namibia Bi-National Commission, currently underway in Luanda, Angola.

Namibia has seen an alarming increase in child abuse cases, with recent events underscoring the vulnerability of children to neglect, rape, and violence.

In the latest disturbing incident, a 14-year-old girl was allegedly raped by her two uncles.

Another alleged rape incident involves a nine-year-old girl.

An eight-year-old boy was reportedly burned by his uncle for stealing food.

Recently, a Grootfontein couple was charged with child abuse and neglect of their 17-month-old, resulting in the girl losing a foot.

The Malaysian High Commission in Namibia held a 'fruits and food' promotional event in Windhoek.

The event brought together more than 150 guests, from retailers to the media, diplomats, government officials, and students, who came to taste and try Malaysian food, including fruit and other delicacies.

The five main fruits of Malaysia, including pineapple, pomelo, and red guava, have been flown from Malaysia for the promotional event.

There is a need for a fully-fledged NATIS office at Okongo in the Ohangwena Region to allow people access to services close to them.

This was highlighted by the Okongo Village Council Chief Executive Officer during a meeting with the Deputy Minister of Works and Transport, Veikko Nekundi.

NATIS Okongo opened its doors in 2021 but with limited office space and services.

Currently, the facility only offers eye testing, learner's license, driver's license renewal, vehicle registration, and de-registration of vehicles.

A strike by employees of a local retailer at Rundu and Nkurenkuru continues. 

The employees, represented by the Namibian Food and Allied Workers Union (NAFAWU), are striking in support of a demand for a salary increase and better working conditions.

The workers are demanding an increase of N$550, inclusive of a transport allowance, while the employer is only willing to offer N$142.50.

Works and Transport Deputy Minister Veikko Nekundi visited the Okongo constituency in the Ohangwena Region to assess earth-track roads in that area.

These hard-to-navigate sandy roads are hampering development and making it difficult for communities to access schools and health centres promptly.

Deputy Minister Nekundi was informed by the Councillor of Okongo Constituency, Lebbeus Shipindo, that since independence, his constituency has never been provided with a single feeder road.