Government Information

Republic of Namibia
Bulletin
Arid Namibia is Flooded
April 2009

Special Edition
FREE 1

The devastating floods destroyed homes in towns, settlements and crop fields in the north and north eastern parts of the country.
President Hifikepunye Pohamba declared a state of emergency in areas most affected by the floods. A hut totally collapsed and leaving its thatched
roof floating above the water, People trying to rescue their belongings from submerged homes to the high grounds and crop fields were inundated with water
In This Issue

President Flood in State of the Nation

assesses flood Pictures address

Page 6 Page 8-9 Page 13-20

 From the Desk of the Minister Contents
This year’s devastating floods plunged
our country into untold catastrophe Arid Namibia is flooded ................................................... 1
that pushed our people to live on the
edge of the economy. Many lives have
been lost, infrastructures destroyed,
Arid Namibia is flooded: Lives lost, food and
including villages and crop fields.
Farmers were rendered helpless in infrastructure destroyed, development halted ............... 3
their efforts to cultivate and plant their
seeds due to fact that their fields were
submerged in flood water. Grazing Namibia’s National Policy for Disaster Risk
areas were also affected, making
Hon. Joël Kaapanda, livestock’s survival difficult.
Minister of Information and Management in place ...................................................... 4-5
Communication Technology
The Government’s efforts to assist the
farmers increase their produce in the next harvesting season died still-
President assesses floods in areas declared state of
born as the rain and floods from neighbouring countries became too
strong than expected. The Government provided seeds and fertilizers
to farmers with the aim to boost the bumper harvest in the following emergency ....................................................................... 6
season. This could not be realised due to the fact that crop fields in the
north and north eastern parts of our country were destroyed by the flood
water. Floods in Namibia: Civil Protection Mechanism

In this special edition, the Ministry of information and Telecommunication

activated following worst floods in decades ................... 7
Technology (MICT) is depicting images, covering different parts of
the country that were affected by the floods. They are depicting the
destruction of the country’s infrastructures, including telecommunications, Floods in Pictures ............................................................ 8-9
roads, homes, schools, businesses, towns and settlements.

To mitigate the effects of the floods on the lives of the people, Namibian Deputy Prime Minister receives tents for
companies such as First National Bank, Cell One and other local
stakeholders and some international organisations such as the European
flood victims .................................................................... 10
member states provided humanitarian aid to the country, following the
call from President Hifikepunye Pohamba to the international community
to assist Namibians to cope with the impacts of the devastating floods. MOD intensifies fight against HIV infection .................... 11

The Government has now put in place a National Policy for Disaster
Risk Management, which will be implemented by all stakeholders in Karas region Hosts the 19th independence
the country. The policy will address the effects of climate change in a
systematic manner, in the future, instead of the current way of reacting to
disasters when they occur. Since climate change is likely to be here with anniversary....................................................................... 12
us for a longer time, Namibia will implement disaster risk management
programmes to prevent and address adverse effects that the patterns of
State of the Nation Address ............................................. 13-20
climate change may impose on our country.
2
Finally, a complete version of the President’s State of the Nation Address Extra hard working health workers to be
2009 is reproduced here not only for the readers to read it themselves
but also to keep it, as an important document, for future references.
rewarded.......................................................................... 20

Government Information Bulletin: Publicising Government

The Government Information Bulletin was
established through Cabinet decision number
13th/04.07.06/002 as an official information
bulletin to publicise the Government’s
programmes, policies and activities for the
benefit of Government institutions and the
Namibian public. All Government institutions
contribute towards the Bulletin. The Government
Information Bulletin is published monthly by the
Ministry of Information and Communication
Technology. To meet the specific information
needs of communities, the public is invited to
send comments and suggestions on Government Private Bag 13344, Windhoek
projects, programmes and policies, which will Telephone 061 - 2839111
Fax 061 - 230170
then be covered in the Bulletin. More Government E-mail wdeetlefs@mib.gov.na.
news and information can be accessed on the Design DV8 Saatchi & Saatchi,
GRN news button on the Government internet Windhoek.
Layout and printing Solitaire Press, Windhoek.
site at www.grnnet.gov.na
The Bulletin is distributed free of charge to rural
communities through the Ministry’s regional
offices. The public and organisations are
welcome to subscribe to the Bulletin, but mailing
costs will be for the account of the subscriber.

Arid Namibia is Flooded: lives lost, food and
infrastructure destroyed, development halted
N amibia is becoming more and more
a flood prone area, unlike in the
past when it was ravaged by prolonged
droughts. For the past two years, the
situation deteriorated as heavy rains
and flood waters inundated and engulfed
large parts of the north and north eastern
parts of the country to the point when
President Hifikepunye Pohamba had to
declare a state of emergency in the most
affected areas.
The floods had caused extensive destruction to
human lives, homes, schools, health facilities,
omahangu and maize fields, businesses as
well as economic infrastructure such as roads
and bridges. People’s lives remained under
serious threat due to heavy floods, flowing
from southern Angola and heavy rains that the
country received this year.
President Pohamba considered this year’s floods
as worse than the one that occurred in 2008.
The President was worried about the effect of the
floods on the government’s efforts to strengthen
food security by assisting subsistence farmers
to produce more staple food. The government
planned to boost productivity by providing
subsidies to subsistence farmers to buy seeds,
assist them with ploughing and planting their
fields, as the anticipation for bumper harvest
became high. Farmers were reporting that early
rains were beneficial to their crop growing.
But the scenario was reversed when all of a
sudden the heavy floods came and destroyed
everything.
As a result, the crops in flood prone areas
did not yield as expected, considering the
large-scale investment that was put into the
preparation and planting. Many crop fields in
the Caprivi, Ohangwena, Kavango, Oshana
and Kavango regions were submerged in flood
water, causing widespread crop failures. Homes
were completely under water and as a result
food reserves were damaged and people were
left empty handed.
As a result, the government declared a
state of emergency to enable it to activate
interventions to address the unprecedented
emergency situation. The government,
local and international non-governmental
organisations and the private sector rallied
together to assist the victims of the floods.
The business community donated food,
Government Information Bulletin April 2009
By Kaleni Hiyalwa
blankets, money and clothing through the
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, to the
affected populations. The Red Cross and other
volunteers distributed emergency food relief,
including water purification tablets. To prevent
disease outbreaks, such as cholera and malaria,
the Ministry of Health and Social Services and
the Red Cross stepped up hygiene education
campaigns. To mitigate the crisis, the President
appealed for international aid to assist the
affected population.
During the floods in 2008, affected people
were moved to higher ground and temporary
emergency camps were established to shelter
some of the people whose homes were
submerged in water. Grazing land for livestock
in some parts of the Ohangwena, Omusati,
Caprivi, Oshana, Oshikoto regions were
inundated by water.
During the floods, many schools, health
facilities and provision of social grants to the
elderly were disrupted. More than 200 schools
closed down, disadvantaging more than 100
000 learners mostly in the Oshana, Omusati
and Ohangwena regions. Access routes to
schools were flooded, making it difficult for
learners and their teachers to reach their
schools. Constituencies in the Kavango region
such as Ndiyona, Kahenge, Kapako, Rundu
Rural East and West and Mpungu were heavily
flooded. Physical infrastructures, which include
85 percent of gravel roads in the affected areas,
have been damaged.
Many businesses were also closed down causing
a high rate of unemployment and loss of trade
opportunities, especially for small and medium
enterprises.
These neighbouring homes in the north were all under water and abandoned by people
To effectively address the flood situation, the
President directed that:
• The office of the Prime Minister and other
stakeholders work closely with regional and
local authorities to ensure timely delivery of
all emergency supplies;
• Coordination mechanisms at all levels of
disaster management be enhanced;
• The government, with the assistance of the
development co-operation partners procured
additional motorised boats to facilitate the
distribution of emergency supplies and the
evacuation of people in need;
• All Ministries should revisit the
recommendations made in the 2008
National Flood Response Report to render
government interventions more effective;
• Given the frequency of flooding in the
past few years, all Regional Councils and
Local Authorities put in place adequate
contingency plans for affected people to
reduce suffering;
• The Roads Authority conduct an in-depth
study of all the roads that were destroyed
or damaged by flood water with the view to
addressing the identified shortcomings; and
• The Roads Authority to ensure that all
bridges across the main water channels are
reinforced to withstand the force of flood
water.
The destructive nature of the floods is apparent
for all to see. This is indeed one of the most
destructive forces of nature. This year, floods
have not only caused more destruction to our
physical infrastructure, but human lives have
also been lost,” said President Pohamba. Due to
floods, many people in the Kavango and Caprivi
regions fell prey to crocodiles and hippos, as
3
they came to share the same surroundings due
to the flooded locale.
 Government Information Bulletin April 2009
Namibia’s National Policy for Disaster Risk
Management in place
(The Government Information Bulletin will, from now on, run extracts from various government policy documents on this page.
The effects of disasters to human lives and their habitats are devastating. A young man crossing the water within their field as turn can increase disaster
water cut-off human movements and interaction
T o shift away from the approach of
responding only to disasters after
they have occurred, to one of disaster risk
management, the government has come
up with a framework aimed at managing
disaster risk holistically on a continuous
basis. This will lessen the impacts of
natural disasters and other environmental,
technological and biological calamities.
4 The approach focuses on minimising
vulnerability and disaster risks throughout
society by building resilience to disasters
within the broad context of sustainable
development.
• The policy aligns itself with the Hyogo
Framework for Action 2005-2015: Building
the Resilience of Nations and Communities
to Disasters, which was adopted at the
World Conference on Disaster Reduction
held in Kobe, Hyogo, Japan in 2005;
• The Kyoto Protocol which is an agreement
made under the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
and the international framework for disaster
risks associated with climate change;
This is the first in the series)
• The Africa Regional Strategy for Disaster
Risk Reduction, which aims to contribute to
the attainment of sustainable development
and poverty reduction by facilitating the
integration of disaster risk reduction into
development; and
taking into account:
• The need to integrate total disaster risk
management into national and local
development initiatives in Namibia;
• The priorities identified in the 2005 National
Action Plan for Capacity Development in
Disaster Risk Reduction in Namibia;
• The need for consistency in developing
national capacity for disaster risk
management and community resilience to
disaster; and,
• The absence of a legal framework for
disaster risk management in Namibia
The Policy is giving direction and defining the
parameters for the implementation of the
concept of total disaster risk management
within the established National Disaster Risk
Management System in Namibia. It focuses on
the reduction of disaster risk
and building resilience.
There are several reasons why
there is a need for a National
Disaster Risk Management
policy in the country. It is an
established fact that disasters
increase vulnerability of the
poor, overstretching their
coping capacities, deepening
their poverty and preventing
them from taking advantage
of economic opportunities.
Disaster risk reduction
measures must focus on
economic and social upliftment
and on building resilience.
Disasters put development
at risk. Natural disasters put
development gains at risk,
but development choices in
risks. Therefore, one should
ensure that every aspect of
development contributes to
reducing disaster risks rather than generating
new risks. Instead of choices being made
that generate new disaster risk, development
choices made by individuals, communities and
government must contribute to a reduction of
disaster risk.
Disasters cause human losses and hardship,
constrain progress, damage and destroy
infrastructure and the environment. The
increasing threat of disasters coincides with the
growing recognition that progress towards the
Millennum Development Goals (MDGs) is not
fast enough.
Efforts to address risks that constrain progress
are required. Damage to housing, service
infrastructure, savings, productive assets
and human losses reduce livelihood and push
vulnerable households into long term poverty
and increased inequalities. Disaster can destroy
educational infrastructure, disadvantage
women and girls, destroy health infrastructure
and can result in funds being diverted from
development to humanitarian/relief support.
Continues on page 5

Namibia’s National Policy for Disaster Risk Management in place
Disasters often damage the environmental
resources affecting environmental sustainable.
They exacerbate deforestation and soil
erosion. Both natural and technological
disasters increase the likelihood of pollution.
Natural disaster risk, including climate change-
induced is closely connected to processes of
human development.
Disaster relief/humanitarian sub-serves
the goals of national development. While
humanitarian assistance/relief is important,
the focus should be to contribute to
sustainable development through participatory
planning approaches and prevent dependency
on handouts. Humanitarian assistance
programmes should therefore be implemented
within the sustainable development framework
of the country.
Developing capacities to deal with existing
disaster risk is an effective way to generate
capacity to deal with future climate change
risk. Climate change aggravated by
processes of global economic development
poses a central unresolved development issue
for many countries. In line with the Hyogo
Framework of Action and the African Regional
Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction that
emphasise Disaster Risk Reduction recognises
that developing capacities that deal with
existing disaster risk is an effective way to
generate capacity to deal with future climate
change risk.
Disaster risk management is
a multi-sectoral and multi-
disciplinary responsibility.
It is important that the
reduction of risks is viewed
as a shared responsibility,
requiring a continuous series
of endeavours pursued
across social, economic,
governmental and professional
sectors of activity.
Instead of being understood as
a specialisation of security and
emergency services or experts,
comprehensive disaster
risk management needs to
involve many segments of
society – starting with those
members of the public who
are themselves most exposed
to anticipated hazards. This
understanding is essential if
communities are to become
Government Information Bulletin April 2009
more resilient to the effects of hazards so that
disaster losses can be reduced in the future.
Participation and ownership is core to effective
disaster risk. Popular participation is a principle
for sustainable livelihood security. Disaster risk
management implementation requires the full
participation and ownership of all role players/
stakeholders in the activities aimed at reducing
risk in both the short and long terms.
Gender relations affect how people experience
disasters and how disasters impact people in
general. Mainstreaming gender in disaster risk
management is a vital component of disaster
risk management implementation. It is the
process to be considered to incorporate the
concerns of women and men in policies and
programmes to prevent and mitigate disasters.
The gender relations mainstreaming policy
seeks to enhance gender aspects by promoting
and increasing women’s participation in disaster
risk reduction to improve their chances of
survival and their resilience to livelihood. This
also involves balancing the entitlements and
responsibilities of both males and females in
the disaster risk reduction process.
HIV/AIDS impacts negatively on human
development. The debilitating impact of HIV/
AIDS on human development is recognised
as a long term problem. HIV/AIDS is viewed
as a hazard and disaster. Mainstreaming HIV/
AIDS into risk management initiatives is a
Homesteads stood like white elephants in flooded areas
Continues from page 4
fundamental disaster risk management policy
issue.
The involvement of other development
agencies including UN agencies, donors and
non-governmental organisations adds value
to a national disaster risk management
system. Development agencies, including the
UN agencies, donors and non-governmental
organizations have much to contribute in
terms of technical, financial and material
support for disaster risk management. They
have experience of disaster risk management
in other countries. Such experience will assist
in developing programmes that effectively
enhance community resilience to disasters in
the long term. A disaster risk management
policy must be guided by the best practices
in disaster risk management that such
development partners have adopted.
The National Risk Management Policy is
grounded in five fundamental principles:
1. Fundamental human rights and freedoms
2. Humanitarian principles and codes of
practices for humanitarian assistance
3. The shift towards disaster risk reduction
4. Protecting sustainable development
gains in the country by mainstreaming
disaster risk reduction into the national
development process
5. Sustainable ecosystem and
environmental management
5
 Government Information Bulletin April 2009

President assesses floods in areas declared

state of emergency
By Mulisa Simiyasa

P resident Pohamba assured

communities in the north after his
extensive flood assessment to Oshana,
Oshikoto and Omusati regions that he
will brief Cabinet members on what he
observed. His report is expected to help
mobilise resources to assist the affected
and displaced citizens.

The President was on a two-day flood evaluation

to affected areas. He noted that areas such
as Omusati got a lot of water from heavy
rainstorms, followed by the spill over of water
from Southern Angola.

“This water in large volumes from everywhere

is all heading to Oshana region, adding to the
heavy rains that fell in region. Therefore, it
makes it difficult to pass through the Oshana
region to Etosha,” he remarked.
“Many villages are submerged in rain water,
roads and bridges washed away, schools closed
because pupils can not cross high levels of water
through the oishana and many health services
are disrupted,” the President said in shock.
In his empathetic usual tone, he described the
“water-human conflict” as a hard to believe
situation.
“I was disturbed to see Onesi Secondary School
in water - class rooms and dormitories filled
up with water, the roads from Onandjamba
to Outapi, from Onesi to Tsandi have become
treacherous. The bridge on the road to
Okahao from Oshakati is in danger of possible
6 collapse, many homes are destroyed. Towns
and settlements such as Omungwelume,
Onandjamba and Ondangwa are inundated with
water for months and the traditional palace of
King Immanuel Kauluma Elifas is not easily
reachable,” noted the President.
President Hifikepunye Pohamba pays a solidarity visit to King Immanuel Kauluma Elifas, King of Ondonga
and former Chairperson of the Council of Traditional Leaders during his flood assessment mission
to the Oshana region. In the background is the Ondonga Kingdom submerged in water
transport that could reach the remote areas to and Housing and Rural Development, Erastus
provide humanitarian assistance to the people. Negonga, headed the technical team.
Uuvudthiya is one of the areas in Namibia
where large agricultural activities take place. It Emergency Management Meetings with
was totally cut off.” Cattle headers and many stakeholders took place every Wednesday
residents needed assistance. to share their observations, experiences and
reports about the devastating flood situation in
The government, businesses and individuals efforts to find solutions to the problem.
responded quickly to the plight of the people
affected by the floods. The police, the defence President Pohamba‘s message of condolence,
force and community members worked tirelessly on behalf of the government, was sent through
to mitigate the severe effects of the floods. traditional leaders, regional and local authorities
to families whose loved ones drowned in the
Due to the severity of the disaster, the office flood water.
of the Prime Minister designated a technical
team of experts to the north to respond to He advised the people to cross oishana in
the flood situation that threatened the lives company of people who have knowledge of the
and livelihood of the people. The Permanent local topography and avoid crossing at unknown
Secretary of Regional and Local Government points for safety and security of their lives.

“What I saw there, when I went nearer, was fish

in the house,” President Pohamba remarked as
he described the flood situation that submerged
King Kauluma’s homestead. The fish was carried
by the flood water from neighbouring Angola
and the outlying dams that over-flooded the
oishana and surrounding fields.

The President visited Uuvudthiya, in the Oshana

region, by a helicopter, the only means of
President Pohamba also visited schools to asses the damage caused by the floods. He is seen here with his
entourage standing on a makeshift bridge at one of the schools
 Government Information Bulletin April 2009

Floods in Namibia: Civil Protection Mechanism

activated following worst floods in decades

An aerial view shows infrastructures, gas and water installations were under water This settlement was deserted because the environment became unfriendly

T he European Member States, through
the Community Civil Protection
Mechanism, have come to the aid of
Namibia, following the worst floods in
southern Africa in decades. More than
350,000 citizens have been affected and
some 13,000 displaced. Assistance is
being offered by the Austrian authorities
in the form of emergency health kits,
tarpaulins and mosquito nets. Emergency
health kits and tarpaulins arrived on
Sunday April 5 and were handed over to
the Office of the Prime Minister on April 6,
while mosquito nets are planned to arrive
on Thursday April 9. This complements
financial donations from several EU
Member States through other channels.
The European Commission activated the
Community Civil Protection Mechanism on
March 23 following a request from Namibia.
A coordination and assessment team was
immediately deployed on site, joining forces
with the United Nations and the national
government authorities to get a better picture
of the needs in the most affected regions.
The team was also joined by an expert from
the Commission Directorate General for
Humanitarian Aid (DG ECHO). Last year, ECHO
provided support totalling to €1,3 million, about
N$ 16 million (March 2008).
The Civil Protection Mechanism’s Monitoring
and Information Centre, based in Brussels,
immediately deployed a team of assessment and
coordination experts from Denmark, Sweden,
Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic, as
well as a MIC liaison officer, to support national
authorities in Namibia and help identify how
best to contribute to the international relief
efforts. The team has been conducting field
assessments in the most affected regions,
joining forces with the United Nations and the
national government authorities to get a better
picture of the situation and needs in the most
affected regions.
Background information:
The Monitoring and Information Centre
(MIC) is operated by DG Environment in the
European Commission. It is the operational
heart of the Community Mechanism for Civil
Protection. It is available on a 24/7 basis, and
provides countries access to the community
civil protection platform. Any country affected
by a major disaster – inside or outside the EU
– can launch a request for assistance through
the MIC.
During emergencies the MIC plays three
important roles: serving as a communications
hub for the exchange of requests and offers
of assistance; providing information on civil
protection preparedness and response to
participating states as well as a wider audience
of interested stakeholders; supporting co-
ordination of the provision of European
assistance.
Further information:
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/civil/prote/
mic.htm
7

Many schools were flooded and as a result closed down, This is one of the feeder roads which was destroyed by flood waters, causing
affecting thousands of children difficulties in communication in the northern regions.
 Government Information Bulletin April 2009

Floods in Pictures

A young man standing in an omahangu field, with rain water. If this field is anything to go by, there will be no harvest this year. Farmers would need food relief from the
government and other stakeholders. President Pohamba appealed to the international community to assist in alleviating the plight of the people affected

“Eengobe dambuletu nghee dapita omishila opombada” – “Omitwe deenduda” (An Oshiwambo idiom literary translated, “The tails of our cattle have been high up all
day” – “It is the heads of the thatched huts”. In relation to this situation, the heads of the thatched huts held their heads high, braving the strong flood water
8

No use to lock the doors because water has already seeped into the rooms from Even chickens and cats where not spared. Life became dreadful. They where left
all sides. When natural disaster strikes, there is nowhere to hide behind as people abandoned their homesteads for higher ground
 Government Information Bulletin April 2009

Floods in Pictures

Life is wrecked. This tells it all. Peoples’ homes became inhabitable. Reconstruction, after the floods, will be needed.
A thatched hut’s mud wall and everything inside was destroyed

Nothing was left in its normal form and place. Flood water spread It is water everywhere
everywhere and made its way inside the buildings

Businesses stopped operating and owners had to rescue their goods. As a result thousands of people were deprived of their daily incomes, making survival difficult.
The majority of people in the north depend on small and medium enterprises for employment and income-generation. Now they stand helplessly,
keeping watch of their goods as there is no transport to ferry them to safer places.
 Government Information Bulletin April 2009

Deputy Prime Minister receives tents for flood

victims
By Julia Hamhata

Witnessing the donation was the Director-

General of the National Planning Commission,
Professor Peter Katjavivi, who co-received
the sample cheque of the donation with Dr.
Amathila.
The Goodwill Ambassador highlighted that she
believes there are synergies for government and
the private sector to join hands and confront
the challenges collectively. “If we continue to
work together as one united nation, Namibia
will surely be the role-model for many African
countries, wishing to emulate our style of doing
things,” Amathila said.

The donated tents were already dispatched to

the recipients at the time of the donation.

The Relief FRund comprises of First National

Bank (FNB), Cell One, The Namibian Newspaper,
Omulunga Radio, One Africa TV and Cymot.

The First National Bank of Namibia and Cell One were some of the local businesses which assisted flood victims.
Here, Dr. Libertina Amathila, Deputy Prime Minister and Professor Peter Katjavivi, Director-General of the
National Planning Commission are receiving a check from FNB Namibia and tents from Cell One

A ssisting with the alleviation of the

serious problem of shelter in the
north-eastern part of the country, the
Namibia Disaster Relief Fund donated
300 tents to the tune of N$ 370,000 for
the flood victims on 9 April 2009.

Receiving the donation was the Deputy Prime

Minister and Goodwill Ambassador of the
Namibia Disaster Relief Fund, Hon. Dr. Libertina
Amathila.
10
The Deputy Premier expressed her gratitude
towards the relief fund members for their
noble commitment. “It gives me great joy and
pleasure when I see the caring hearts of our
people. It is good for us in government, when
we see how Namibian public and private sector
companies and even individuals hold hands and
support each other in moments when natural
disasters strike,” she said.

Dr. Amathila noted that recipients of the

donated tents will be elated as winter is now
approaching and the temperature can be chilly
at night. “I believe that these tents will bring
some relief and warmth to our affected brothers
and sisters,” she said.

One of the tents donated by Cell One

 Government Information Bulletin April 2009

MOD intensifies fight against HIV infection

By Martin Tomas

M a t h i e u that infected military staff are assigned

remarked responsibility in accordance with their ability to
that the clinic perform their duties but not their HIV status,”
was a perfect she reiterated.
example of
what the Upon accepting and unveiling the facility,
USA through Minister Namoloh revealed the significance of
Department of investing in such a project. He said investing
Defence and in the treatment, care and support of members
the Namibia’s living with HIV/AIDS complements and
Ministry of enhances prevention activities.
Defence have
been able “It will improve quality of life, maintain the
to achieve working capacity of members infected and
in the fight affected by AIDS and decrease social impact of
against HIV/ the scourge,” said the minister.
Fountain of Hope Clinic inaugurated at Grootfontein AIDS under
the (USA) The Minister pointed out that attitude and

T he hope to intensify and combat the
spread of HIV infections among the
military personnel reached yet another
crucial stage with the inauguration of
the first military Anti-Retroviral (ARV)
clinic named Fountain of Hope and
the laboratory facilities at the Military
Hospital at the Army Headquarters in
Grootfontein.
This health facility was opened and launched on
30 March 2009 by Hon. Maj Gen (rtd) Charles
Namoloh “aka” Ho-Chi-Minh, Minister of
Defence and Her Excellency Dennise Mathieu,
the United States of America (USA) Ambassador
to Namibia.
The Fountain of Hope clinic is located in the old
military hospital building which was revamped
and furnished with the assistance of the
President ’s
Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and
the Military Action and Prevention Programme
(MAPP).
She said that the partnership is also helping to
build sustainable systems, improve prevention,
care and treatment services as well as empower
civilians and military personnel to combat the
scourge.
“I understand that the military condom,
“protector”, has become popular in every
corner of the country and this shows that our
joint efforts are paying off in ensuring that
people can protect themselves against sexual
transmitted infections,” stated Ambassador
Mathieu.
The Ambassador urged military leaders and
practice change play a vital role in combating
the deadly disease and urged military, as well
as civilian personnel to change their attitude
and practice, so as to perfect themselves from
being infected.
“Knowing your HIV status is an important
step in changing your behaviour. Adopt safe
sex practices so that you do not infect others
and avoid re-infection,” he said, adding that
“soldiers with knowledge on the impact of the
HIV pandemic should teach those with little
knowledge”.
Speaking in the African context, the Defence
Minister said the scourge remains the
continental’s greatest development and security
challenge. He warned that such continent’s
challenges should be consistently dealt with
to realise Vision 2030 and the Millennium

11
International Training and Education Centre commanders to take charge and ensure that HIV Development Goals.
for HIV (I-TECH) and the Namibian Social programmes are
Marketing Association (SMA). Funds amounting well-coordinated
to N$2.8 million were made available by the and effectively
(USA) President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS implemented.
Relief (PEPFAR) and the aim for funding was
restoring hope among the military personnel “Effective HIV
living with HIV. programmes
depend on the
The establishment of the clinic will enable development and
soldiers to access free HIV counselling, testing implementation
and treatment services within the military of strong policies
vicinity. The clinic will also become a place that ensure that
where soldiers would seek medical help without military personnel
fear of stigmatisation, discrimination and where living with HIV
confidentiality of personal information will be are treated in
respected. the same way as
those with other Hon. Maj. Gen (rtd) Charles Namoloh, MP, Minister of Defence shaking
hands with Ambassador Dennise Mathieu, United States Ambassador to
Before handing over the facility, Ambassador disease, adding
Namibia at the inauguration of the Fountain of Hope Clinic
 Government Information Bulletin April 2009
Karas region hosts the 19th independence
anniversary
Lt. General Matin Shalli, Chief of the Defence Force
T he Karas region had its turn to host
the independence celebration when
the 19th independence anniversary was
held at Keetmanshoop on 21 March 2009.
President Hifikepunye Pohamba described
it as a day of pride for every Namibian
and friends of Namibia. He explained that
the day signified and bears testimony
to the bravery and perseverance of the
Namibian people.
The Head of State said that the celebration
reminds Namibians of the birth of the nation
after many years of oppression from when the
chains of bondage were broken and Namibia
joined the free nations of the world as a free
12
and independent country.
The day offered an opportunity for Namibians
to reflect on the achievements recorded to
date, and those that lie ahead. “We also pause
to reflect on the challenges facing our nation
and how these challenges can be mitigated as
we chart a new direction towards a future filled
with hope,” President Pohamba told the crowd
at the Keetmanshoop Soccer Stadium.
“The freedom and independence that we enjoy
today was not given to us on a silver platter.
It was brought about through the sacrifices,
bravery and gallantry of the sons and daughters
of our soil who stood firm to fight against
colonialism and apartheid oppression. We owe
an everlasting debt of gratitude to our heroes
By Kaleni Hiyalwa
and heroines who sacrificed their lives and shed
their precious blood so that, we, the people of
the Land of the Brave, can live in peace and
freedom,” he added.
President Pohamba noted that people who do
not know where they come from, will not know
where they are going and they are doomed to
perish.
He stressed the importance of tracing the history
of Namibia from the anti-colonial resistance to
the armed liberation struggle that is shaping
the country’s future.
He urged the young people to learn and
master Namibia’s history from the battle field
exploits of Hendrik Witbooi to the battlefield
ingenuity of Samuel Maharero, from the
patriotism of Kahimemwa Nguvauva to the
bravery of Mandume ya Ndemufayo, from
the uncompromising posture of Ipumbu ya
Tshilongo to the guerilla tested Jacob Marengo,
from the victorious Nehale lya Mpingana to
the unwavering spirit of Sam Nujoma, from
the dedication of Tobias Hainyeko and Dimo
Hamaambo to the vision of Peter Nanyemba
and battle-tested Greenwell Matongo.
“This is the foundation upon which we can build
a stronger and a more prosperous Namibia. It
is the mountain top upon which we stand to
see clearly far on the horizon,” observed the
President.
He advised that all Namibians should stand
together on the shoulders of the giants
of history and join hands to build a better
Namibia, noting that “our heroes and heroines
who made us what we
are today - a free, proud
and independent nation -
come from all parts of our
country”.
The Head of State
emphasised that the ideals
of heroes and heroines,
whose blood waters our
freedom, made it possible
that all citizens walk tall
and should be proud
Namibians.
Some of the NDF soldiers marching at the 19th Independence
He regretted that the
colonial war pitted brother against brother,
sister against sister and neighbour against
neighbour and as a result, racial divisions and
discrimination were accentuated. “We have
transcended that difficult past in our history
and are now united to reach for the common
goal and a common vision to make Namibia the
best that she can be,” said the President.
The Head of State pointed out that the policy
of national reconciliation made it possible for
us to restore peace, tolerance and mutual
understanding among our people who were
harassed and brutalised by the war mongers of
the apartheid colonialism.
After independence was won, the President
said, Namibians committed themselves to
accelerating socio-economic development and
to the improvement of the living standards of
all the people. “I am happy to state confidently
that notable progress has been made in this
regard,” he added.
The President also noted that the country has
built strong institutions of governance through
which national development policies are
being implemented. He observed that major
development projects have been implemented
across the country. “We can proudly say that
the majority of our people now have access
to the basic amenities such as food, shelter,
water, safety, security and human dignity. We
have built schools, hospitals, clinics, roads,
railways and other infrastructure across the
country. Potable water and electricity are now
available to thousands of our citizens and rural
electrification has changed the rural landscape,”
he said.
anniverary at Keetmanshoop

State of the Nation Address
I stand before this joint Session of our Parliament
to report on the State of the Nation, covering
the 2008/2009 Financial Year. As per constitutional
direction, I will focus my attention on the policies
and programmes of our Government during the
period under review and also provide insights into
our future plans in the new Financial Year.
This is in keeping with the values and ethos of
accountability, transparency and good governance
to which we are fully committed. I am here today
not only because that is what the constitution
demands, but because we as a Government have
a commitment and duty to promote and live by
these values.
A few weeks ago, the Namibian people
commemorated our 19th Anniversary of freedom
and independence, a date on which we remember
our rendezvous with history. A day when we as
a people, took into our own hands the social,
political and economic destiny of our country. We
remember the sacrifices made by the brave sons
and daughters of our soil who gave their lives and
shed their blood for our freedom and independence.
Theirs was the utmost demonstration of patriotism
and will always remember and salute them for
their selflessness and gallantry. The work that
we have done and continue to do, the progress
that we have scored and continue to record, were
made possible by their sacrifices.
The Economy and Global Economic Crisis
For Namibia, the period under review was a time
of mixed blessings. The peace and stability that
we enjoy has made it possible for Government to
remain focused on the pressing issues of the day.
I have in mind the issues of economic growth,
employment creation, the social and economic
well-being of our people, and the development
challenges that demand our attention in the
areas of health, education, housing, education
and training, employment creation as well as the
provision of the basic amenities such as water,
electricity and human security.
During this time of global recession, utmost in the
minds of our people is the state of the national
economy and the impact of the global economic
crisis on our country. The Namibian economy is
inextricably connected to the global economy
through trade and investment. Deteriorating global
demand four our products has hurt our mining
industry resulting in the closure of mines, the
scaling back of operations and loss of jobs. These
developments have cost our economy hundreds of
millions of dollars since October last year.
Given the small size of the domestic market, our
Government has made export promotion and the
Government Information Bulletin April 2009
development of new markets a central component
of the country’s economic growth strategy.
In this connection, our Government is pursuing
negotiations to secure preferential market access
for our goods and services under bilateral, regional
and multilateral trade arrangements under the
ambit of SACU; the SADC Protocol on Trade,
which has resulted in the launch the SADC Free
Trade Area in August 2008, a Preferential Trade
Agreement between SACU the SACU-EFTA Free
Trade Agreement; the Generalized Systems of
Preferences; the Namibia-Zimbabwe Preferential
Trade Agreement; and the USA-Africa Growth and
Opportunity Act.
This is being done to broaden our economic space
and to overcome constraints imposed on local
industries by limited economies of scale. Namibia
wishes to enter into trade arrangements that
provide preferential market access for our products
and services as well as alternative sources of
imports for the domestic market.
I take note that some progress has been made
in the negotiations of an Economic Partnership
Agreement with European Union, although more
work remains to be done before the process can
be finalized. We will continue to engage with our
partners such as the European Union while insisting
on, and highlighting the tremendous strategic and
economic consequences that such agreements can
have on smaller economies such as Namibia.
Although Namibia has been performing relatively
well in terms of investment inflows in comparison
to other countries in the region, the level of FDI
and domestic investment remain rather low,
generating inadequate levels of employment and
economic growth envisaged in Vision 2030.
We welcome the new investments and expansion
by local companies in the construction, retail,
property development and tourism sectors. The
livestock industry is also steadily moving beyond
the traditional export of chilled deboned beef.
There is, however, still greater scope for expanded
local value addition and exports of manufactured
products.
Unfortunately, global foreign direct investment
(FDI) flows are expected to fall due to the
global economic downturn that has most hit the
industrialized countries. In this regard, we must
intensify our efforts to attract investments and
enhance our image as a competitive investment
location.
Despite of the global economic downturn, there is
strong investor confidence and interest in Namibian.
I wish to point to the recent investment of N$2.5
billion by Germany’s Schwenk Group in Ohorongo
Cement and the N$2 billion Namundjebo Plaza
Hotel development by Namibia’s United Africa
Group.
The process of revising our investment laws and
incentive packages is continuing. This must go
hand-in-hand with measures to raise awareness
about the importance of a cost-effective and
synergetic systems to provide faster and high
quality services to the business sector, at all times.
Our macro-economic framework and longer-term
forecasts are stable and positive. However, we
face considerable challenges in the short term.
Like many other countries, Namibia may face a
period of economic contraction as the result the
current world recession.
Memories are still fresh of the major fluctuations
in oil prices which were experienced last year.
This resulted in price increases in prices which
dampened performance in some key economic
sectors on which our growth is anchored. It also
resulted in the increase in food prices, placing
undue pressure on many households in Namibia,
especially on the low income groups
In order to mitigate these effects, Government
introduced relief measures such as VAT exemption
on certain essential basic food items. We are all
concerned about the economic outlook in these
uncertain times and rightly so. We all wonder
how long these lean years will last. However, I
believe that that the difficult times may offer new
opportunities that can be utilised to provide viable
short-, medium- and long-term solutions.
13
Our Government is actively seeking ways to deal
with negative impact of the global financial crisis
on our economy. In this light, I have tasked my
Minister of Trade and Industry and the Cabinet
Committee on Trade and Economic Development
to consult with relevant stakeholders, to advise
Government on the extent of the impact of the
crisis and to propose required interventions to put
in place a national response.
This calls for close cooperation and synergies
involving all sectors of our society. The Bank
of Namibia has done its part to respond to the
situation, by among other things keeping the
interest rates unchanged. Government has also
reduced increase tax for different wage categories
while revising the income tax threshold to N$40
000-00. I trust that collectively, as a nation, we
can and will weather the storm.
Continues on page 14
 Government Information Bulletin April 2009
State of the Nation Address
The performance of our national economy is one
of the most important barometers to gauge the
well-being of the Nation. I am happy to say that
despite the global downturn our economy has
generally held steady.
It is encouraging that we expect a sustained
pattern of domestic tax inflows observed during
the last three quarters. Revenue projections for
the next three years stand at N$20.69 billion for
2009/2010, N$20.03 billion for 2010/2011 and
N$21.35 billion for 2011/2012.
During the review period about N$168 million
in dividends was received from state owned
enterprises and other entities in which the
Government holds interests.
The Bank of Namibia, Namport, NDTC Namibia,
Rossing Uranium, Nampost and Telecom
Holdings, and the Lüderitz Water Front declared
dividends. Namibia also received an amount
of N$563,600.00 in dividends from the African
Export/Import Bank.
A strong labour force is crucial for keeping our
national economy vibrant and dynamic. It is for
this reason that Government has modernized
our labour legislation. Now that the new Labour
Act has came into operation, we hope to see
speedier resolution of labour disputes.
It is pleasing that by adopting the mechanisms
introduced by the Act, the majority of labour
disputes are being resolved amicably. Close to
four thousand disputes were recorded last year,
however, only 86 were referred to the District
Labour Court.
I have followed with keen interest the
developments regarding services that being
14 made available in the labour sector including the
opening of Regional Labour Offices in different
towns including Opuwo and Outapi in recent
months. Similar offices will be opened at Rundu
and Gobabis this year.
We are aware that employment creation is one of
the greatest challenges facing our nation today.
In order to address this challenge, Government
will introduce legislation to create a stronger
legal framework, institutions and tools to support
economic growth and employment creation.
These include the Employment Services Bill, which
will establish a national electronic employment
information system to register job seekers, list
job vacancies, match jobseekers and prospective
employers, identify skills deficits and provide
information on enterprises, training and bursary
opportunities. Employers will be required, by law,
to report all employment vacancies to the Ministry
of Labour and Social Welfare. There will also be
legislation to establish an Employment Creation
Commission to coordinate national employment
creation initiatives. These Bills will be tabled in this
Financial Year.
While we await the enactment of legislation, we
must work within the existing laws to facilitate
employment creation and the smooth functioning
of the labour market. I have learnt that Public
Employment Offices have been established in all
thirteen regions to serve as multi-functional labour
market centers.
We know that unemployment situation is
worsened skills deficits. With the policy framework
in place, our focus will now shift to ensure that
skills development structures are set up to enable
a speedy response to labour market demands.
Our Government facilitates and promotes skills
development through vocational training and
counseling services. Qualified Vocational Counselors
are stationed at Regional Labour Offices to provide
guidance to young people to enter into professions
that match their competencies and aptitudes.
They also play an important role in identifying
latent entrepreneurial skills in the youth who can
be assisted to start successful self-employment
activities. This is an important strategy in our drive
to fight unemployment.
I am pleased to announce that the Ministry of
Labour and Social Welfare will provide these
services free of charge. I urge all education
officials, especially school principals, to allow their
learners to have access to this important service.
I also call upon the unemployed youth to utilize
these services.
The National Youth Credit Scheme is contributing
positively to helping our youth to gain skills for
a more secure future. Hundreds of youth have
received mentoring as well as training under this
scheme in basic business management and other
aspects. During the review period, 2,235 youth
were trained in business management, 2,219
received loans and 2,376 jobs were created by
youth enterprises. Plans are underway to replicate
the Scheme in all regions of the country from the
next financial year.
The Government’s social grant programme
provides a social safety net for vulnerable groups
in our society. It also goes a long way to reduce
poverty among the most vulnerable people,
Continues from page 13
families, and communities. Through this
programme, grants are paid to the elderly and
people with disabilities. According to the most
recent statistics, the current national coverage
of Old Age Grant stands at 88.24 percent, while
that of Disability Grant stands at 18.26 percent.
The government increased the grants from
N$370 to N$450 last year and the benefit is
currently paid to over 151,490 beneficiaries,
of which 131,052 are Old Age and 20,438 are
People with Disabilities. This is projected to
increase to the 154,000 mark. The Ministry has
also increased the funeral benefit to N$2,200.00
per person from the N$2,000 mark last year.
For our Government to succeed in achieving our
national development objectives, we must plan
thoroughly and meticulously. We must be able
to measure the progress that we are making
and also make adjustments where goals are not
being met. It is for this reason that we have
moved purposefully to reinforce our planning
tools to meet the challenges facing us.
I am happy to say that The Third National
Development Plan was successfully launched in
November last year.
The National Planning Commission is currently
busy with an Annual Review of the implementation
of NDP3 to track the performance of different
implementing agencies, with specific focus
on the achievement of annual targets and the
identification of constraints.
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
Another programme that we must keep
monitoring is the achievement of the Millennium
Development Goals. The 2008 MDG Progress
Report has brought to light important insights
about the realities of poverty levels in different
communities in Namibia.
It indicates that poor and severely poor
households make up around 28 percent of all
households in the country. The good news is
that Namibia has already achieved the target of
halving the number of severely poor households
in the country. Moreover, inequalities in income
distribution have been reduced considerably,
although the levels remain unacceptably high.
We will continue to do more to pull more
households out of the mire of poverty.
With regard to the provision of universal primary
education. Namibia has achieved an enrolment
rate of 92 percent at national level and we are
Continues on page 15

State of the Nation Address
working hard towards meeting the target of 99
percent enrolment by 2012.
In the area of the promotion of gender equality
and empowerment of women, I am happy to
note that our efforts to provide greater access
by our girl children to education have borne fruit.
Today, the ratio of girls to boys stands at 98 in
primary schools, 177 in secondary schools and
88 in tertiary education institutions. This shows
that Namibia has achieved gender parity in
secondary school education. All indications are
that the same will be achieved in both primary
and tertiary education streams. With regard to
literacy levels, there are now 103 literate women
to 100 men. Thus in terms literacy, gender parity
has also been achieved. The representation
of women in decision - making structures has
also improved. Today, 27 percent of the seat in
Parliament are occupied by women.
We are concerned about the child mortality
rates which have shown an upward trend in
recent years. This is compounded in part by the
HIV/Aids pandemic and inadequate nutrition,
especially in low income households. This
threat must be addressed with all the force and
resources that we can muster.
Indeed, it calls for the intensification of prevention
of the transmission of the virus from expectant
mothers to their unborn babies. It also calls for
the expansion of immunization of all children
against childhood illnesses. Immunization
coverage currently stands at around 84 percent
of all one-year-old children in Namibia. We
are on course to achieve the MDG target of
100 percent immunisation coverage by 2012.
Of major importance, is the need to address
the existing regional disparities with regard to
immunisation coverage.
The health of Namibian mothers is paramount
in the development of our country. We must
work harder to improve the health of Namibian
mothers by increasing anti-retroviral treatment
for those infected by HIV/Aids, while also
ensuring that more and more births are attended
by trained health personnel. This figure stands
currently at just over 80 percent. We are on
tract to meet the 95 percent target set by the
MDGs by 2012.
The fight against the HIV/Aids pandemic has
been intensified on many fronts, resulting in
encouraging outcomes. The prevalence rate has
dropped from 12 to 10 percent among the 15-19
years age group, and from 20 to 16.4 percent in
the 20 to 24 years age group.
Government Information Bulletin April 2009
The Ministry of Health and Social services carried
out a Health and Social Services System Review
reflecting on the successes and challenges in the
Namibian public health sector since independence.
As a result, a Health Strategic Plan for the period
2009 to 2013 was developed.
Accelerated training of health professionals
remains a key priority in addressing the shortage of
qualified health professional. A total number of 381
students in health related completed the training
at the Ministry’s Health Training Centers at the
end of 2008. Meanwhile, a total of 23 Namibian
medical doctors completed their degrees and are
undergoing internship at Katutura and Windhoek
Central Hospitals.
I am pleased to report that the signing of the
Partnership Agreement in Health between the
Ministry of Health and Social Services and the
Anglican, Lutheran (ELCIN), and Roman Catholic
Churches took place in October 2008. With this,
government will give a 100 percent subsidy for
salaries and 85 percent for capital projects to
Church hospitals.
Our people will be pleased to learn that Namibia
achieved surveillance standard for certification of
Polio-free status from the WHO Africa Regional
Certification Commission.
Honourable Speaker
Honourable Chairperson,
As a Government, we are constantly striving
to combat the impact of poverty on our people.
Towards this end, a number of pro-poor policies
and strategies have been introduced. A new
poverty line indicator based on the Cost of Basic
Needs approach was introduced in 2008. This
will help the Government to identify and design
effective measures to assist poor households.
I have previously used this platform to express the
need for improved methods for monitoring and
evaluation of the implementation of Government
policies.
I am happy that the NPC is currently busy with
the establishment of a comprehensive Monitoring,
Reporting and Evaluation System to foster
pragmatic monitoring, reporting and evaluation of
programmes in the ambit of NDP3.
Development Co-operation
Our Government has successfully engaged our
development co-operation partners to enhance
mutually beneficial relationships and build stronger
partnerships. This has brought about many
benefits for Namibia, such as support in terms of
Continues from page 14
funding and technical assistance from various
countries and organisations. In August last year,
Namibia hosted the 3rd International Ministerial
Conference on Development Co-operation with
Middle Income Countries. The Conference
adopted a resolution on the development needs
of MICs that was presented to the 63rd Session
of the UN General Assembly.
I wish to express my appreciation to our
development co-operation partners who have
stood with us through think and thin even
during these difficult times caused by the global
economic crisis. We appreciate your support and
assistance.
In addition to the monitoring and evaluation of
Government Programmes, we must also ensure
that all public funds allocated to public institutions
by Parliament are utilised for their intended
purposes and that they are accounted for.
This critical role is played by the Attorney General
who completed 109 audit reports relating to the
State Revenue Fund Local Authorities, Regional
Council Statutory Boards and some state-owned
enterprises.
Fisheries
The Marine sector continues to make significant
contribution to the national economy. It also
constitutes one of the biggest contributors to
employment, with about 14 000 people employed
by the sector on permanent basis. Over the
period under review, the sector attracted both
local and international investments.
In 2008, a new factory called Pomona, opened
in Lüderitz. It was built at a cost of N$13 million
and processes lobster for export markets, mainly
in the Far East. Another factory by Aqua Taga, a
joint venture between Australians and Namibians 15
is nearing completion at Walvis Bay. Other
welcome investments have been made in the
fishing sector, thereby modernizing the facilities
and creating secure jobs in the sector.
During the year under review, the Ministry
doubled production at aquaculture projects that
are located in Omusati, Kavango and Caprivi
Regions. It is estimated that approximately five
million metric tons of oysters can be harvested.
From 2003 to date, Government invested more
than N$62, million in freshwater aquaculture
which now employs 683 people.
In October 2008, the Kamutjonga Inland Fisheries
Institute was inaugurated. It has already started
Continues on page 16
 Government Information Bulletin April 2009
State of the Nation Address
with research and training activities.
It is designed to become a center of Excellence,
not only for Namibia, but for the entire SADC
Region.
In August 2008, the Ministry hosted an
international conference on fisheries and
aquaculture at Swakopmund. It was attended
by delegates representing the private sector,
Government, development co-operation partners;
NGOs, academic institutions and researchers.
Steps have been taken to establish a fish feed
plant at Onavivi at the cost of N$6 million.
The plant will use local raw materials such
as fish meal from our fishing industry and the
agricultural sector. We welcome the cooperation
between the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine
Resources and the National Youth Service (NYS)
to deploy members of the National Youth Service
for training at aquaculture projects around
the country. This will give NYS members skills
in fish farming, which they can use to teach
communities to practice integrated crop and fish
farming techniques.
Our Government has taken practical steps to
conserve our marine resources. Part of this
strategy is to allocate the TAC conservatively,
taking into account the observed bio-mass and
research statistics.
This is part of our commitment to utilise our
natural resources in a sustainable manner for the
benefit of future generations.
Housing
Following its restructuring and re-organization
during the past three years, the National
Housing Enterprise acquired close to 6,000 plots
16 throughout the country at a combined value
of N$12.9 million. Out of that number, 1234
plots have been serviced at the cost of N$66.3
million.
In addition, 734 houses have been constructed
throughout the country at a combined amount of
N$76.4 million. Furthermore, the company spent
over N$194.3 million during the same period on
financing project houses, home loans, home
improvement loans, study loans, and building
loans.
During the 2008/2009 Financial Year, NHE
has been busy constructing 871 houses at
an estimated cost of N$ 150 million. It is also
busy installing municipal infrastructure on land
that will yield 836 fully serviced plots, at an
estimated cost of N$ 50 million. Furthermore,
NHE is investing directly in municipal services
infrastructure; introducing and implementing a
rural housing development programme; while
growing and effectively managing its loan book
and other assets.
These efforts will contribute greatly towards the
achievement of our National Development Plans
and Vision 2030.
Physical planning, surveying and construction
of municipal services are important ingredients
for ensuring efficient housing delivery. As such,
Divundu proper, Okalongo proper, Kalkrand, Aranos
Extension 4, Gochas and Bethanie were surveyed
during 2008/2009, while the surveying of Koës,
Aroab, Leonardville, Aranos Extension 5, Okalongo
Extension 1 and Fransfontein will be carried out
during 2009/2010. Otjinene is to be proclaimed as
a town this year.
A programme to replace the bucket system in the
whole country is already underway in Stampriet,
Kalkrand, Aroab and Kamanjab.
Moreover, the construction of services such as
water, sewerage and roads networks is underway
at Bukalo, Henties Bay, Rehoboth, Aussenker,
Divundu, Katima-Mulilo, Nkurenkuru, Otjinene,
Otuzemba in Opuwo and Omuthiyagwiipundi.
The Trust Fund for Regional Development and
Equity Provision implemented three major projects
for upgrading of the sewerage networks in Karibib,
Ruacana and Rundu.
Training workshops were conducted for both
Regional and Local Authorities Councillors
and officials to ensure effective and efficient
implementation of the Build Together Programmes.
Again, an evaluation of the Build Together
Programme was carried and the findings have
been incorporated in the revised housing policy,
which will be submitted to Cabinet soon.
The proclamation of new local authorities is
progressing well. Focus is now on the Caprivi
Region where only one Local Authority exists.
Omuthiya in the Oshikoto Region was proclaimed
as a Town and elections for the Local Authority
Council took place in September 2008.
The planning and surveying of Oranjemund
Township have been finalized and the Ministry
envisages finalizing the proclamation of the town
during 2009. Divundu will also be proclaimed as
a town soon.
In order to facilitate the smooth running of the
Continues from page 15
Traditional Authority activities, Government
decided to provide vehicles to all recognised
Traditional Authorities.
On the decentralization front Cabinet has
approved the delegation of the maintenance
functions as well as the Primary and Secondary
Education functions to the Regional Councils
with effect from 1 April 2009.
A San bread-making project (bakery) at Oshivelo
in Oshikoto region has been completed and is
providing bread to San children at subsidized
prices and selling to other community members.
Construction of low-cost houses for San
households at Okatuuo in the Omaheke Region
has been completed and dwellings handed
over to the beneficiary households by the Right
Honourable Deputy Prime Minister.
Currently, community revolving small livestock
projects are ongoing at Tsumkwe, Bagani,
Chetto and Omega III through the Otjozondjupa,
Kavango and Caprivi Regional Councils.
A Craft kiosk was established at Omega III to sell
San souvenirs, taking advantage of the tourists
using the road.
The Region Specific Action Plans for Food Security
and Nutrition, which address cross-cutting issues
of food security and poverty, were launched in
December 2008.
In the same vein, all the identified regions
inhabited by the San communities are to benefit
from the “Empowerment of the San Community
for Household Food Security” project. The San
community programme was transferred to the
Office of the Prime Minister from 1 March 2009.
Security, Law and Order
A strong criminal justice system is a critical
factor in a democratic state based on the rule of
law. We need strong institutions in this area in
order to safeguard the rights of our citizens and
maintain law and order.
Specific steps were taken to address the
backlog of cases on our court roll, including the
recruitment of additional magistrates.
The reporting period also saw the opening
of the High Court of Namibia at Oshakati, the
completion of a new court building at Khorixas
and the commencement of the construction of a
new court building at Tsumkwe.
Continues on page 17

State of the Nation Address
The Caprivi Treason Trial is ongoing. In recent
months, progress was slowed as a result of
the withdrawal of one of the foreign defence
lawyers. This necessitated the re-distribution of
the accused to remaining counsel. The case is
due to continue later this month.
We welcome improvements in the conviction
rate of criminal in the Regional Courts. Of the
766 cases finalised, 541 ended in convictions.
This speaks to the effectiveness of our criminal
justice system, from the investigating officers to
court officials.
The Magistrates’ Courts finalised 29 415
cases, with 16 200 convictions The Ministry
implemented the Namibian Court Information
System which started in Windhoek and has now
been rolled out to other Magistrates’ Offices, such
as Swakopmund, Usakos, Karibib Omaruru and
Walvis Bay. It will be soon be rolled out country-
wide to all Magistrates’ Offices soon.
Namibia has acceded to and ratified multilateral
international instruments such as the UN
Convention against Transnational Organised
Crime and its Protocols, the UN, AU and SADC
Conventions/Protocols against Corruption, SADC
Protocol on Extradition; and most recently the UN
Convention against the Illicit Trafficking in Drugs
and Psychotropic Substances. In this manner,
we have joined hands with the international
community to combat transnational organised
crime including corruption, illicit drug trafficking,
money laundering, terrorist financing, human
trafficking, human smuggling, and other forms
of serious economic crime.
Furthermore, Namibia has entered into
bilateral extradition and mutual legal assistance
treaties with other states such as Angola,
China, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Botswana.
Negotiations to conclude similar agreements are
continuing with Nigeria, the Democratic Republic
of Congo and Russia.
During the reporting period the Ombudsman
received one thousand four hundred and thirty
eight (1438) complaints, 75 percent of which
were resolved.
Education
During the 2008/2009 Financial Year,
Government built 467 classrooms, 18 libraries,
28 administration seats, 38 teachers houses,
117 ablution blocks and 902 accommodation
spaces for learners. The Pre- Primary Phase
was introduced into Primary Schools, with one
hundred schools already having successfully
Government Information Bulletin April 2009
implemented the change over. An additional 100
more schools were added in the cause of this
year.
The provision of quality education to all our
children is at the heart of ETSIP and Government is
committed to the accelerated its implementation.
As part of this programme, the Ministry of
Education has implemented the National External
School Evaluations to ensure quality education
provision.
A new Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate (NSSC)
qualification and examinations was also introduced
to replace the IGCSE and HIGCSE qualifications
and examinations of Cambridge International
Examinations. The number of candidates in this
phase increased from just under 36,000 in 2007 to
more than 40 000. In Grade 10, more than 36 000
sat for examinations in 2008.
The School Feeding Programme was expanded,
with the doubling of the number of learners and the
amount of resources. School feeding programmes
are good for student retention in schools.
Cabinet took a decision to allow those who did not
meet the requirements to proceed to Grade 11 to
repeat Grade 10. Some learners were re-admitted
as full-time candidates, while others registered with
NAMCOL and Vocational Education and Training
Centers, respectively.
Our national curriculum has been improved
to include more innovative subjects like
entrepreneurship, Information and Communication
Technology, as well as Crafts and Technology. A
new Vocational Education and Training Act, No. 1 of
2008 was passed, paving the way for the creation
of the National Training Authority. Furthermore,
Vocational Education and Training was added as
another stream for Grade 10 repeaters.
Our tertiary educations institutions are growing
and expanding, catering for the demand for
tertiary education in our country. The University of
Namibia now has 8 faculties, 4 academic centres
and a total of 792 staff comprising academic,
administrative and support staff.
In addition to the main Campus in Windhoek
and 4 other campuses at Ogongo, Oshakati,
Ongwediva, and Neudamm, there is a Centre of
External Studies (CES) with nine Outreach Centres
in different towns. During the period under review,
UNAM added one new Faculty and three Schools a
part of the Universtiy. The School of Engineering
was inaugurated at Ongwediva recently. The total
Continues from page 16
number of students enrolled in different faculties
at UNAM stands at more than 10,000 this year,
including both full time and part time students.
The Polytechnic of Namibia is also growing
steadily. Enrolment numbers now stand at
10,000 students while there are approximately
100 academic qualifications on offer ranging
from certificates diplomas, degrees and masters
degrees. The institution has established
new degree programmes in Bio-medical and
Health sciences and Master programmes in
Water Management, International Business,
Integrated Land Management, Comparative
Local Governance, Leadership and Change
Management.
Agriculture, Food Production etc
The revised Green Scheme Policy was recently
approved by Cabinet recently. It will form the
basis for expanding crop production under
irrigation. An amount of N$ 55 million was
allocated to the Scheme and utilised to construct
infrastructure, such as irrigation systems and
houses for small-scale farmers at the Ndonga
Linena Irrigation Project.
In the Hardap Region, the Hardap Research
Station was converted to small-scale farmer’s
plots for commercial crop production.
The implementation of the Green Scheme
Programme is hampered by a shortage of
engineers and other experts. Plans are in
place to address this shortage by approaching
our development cooperation partners to
provide technical assistance. Government also
has constructed silos in the grain producing
regions at the cost of N$ 15 million. The aim
is to encourage food production in the country,
particularly in communal areas. Two silos with
the capacity of 250 tons each were constructed 17
at Okongo and the same number at Omuthiya.
Four silos with the capacity of 1000 tons each
were constructed at Katima Mulilo.
The strengthening of our agricultural sector
remains a priority.
The Rural Water Supply Coverage Project
received a budget of N$ 47 060 000. The
project entails the supply of clean, piped water
to rural communities living in areas where the
groundwater quality is too poor, for domestic
consumption.
The construction of Phase 3 of Onambutu Water
Pipeline Network covering 215 km and 81 water
points in the Ohangwena Region was completed
Continues on page 18
 Government Information Bulletin April 2009
State of the Nation Address
in September 2008. Phase 4 of this project will
cover a distance of 197 km and 94 water points.
It will be completed in January 2010. The Tsandi
South Project Phase 3, in the Otamanzi area,
entails the construction of a 6 km power line, a
water pump station, a 172 cubic meter reservoir,
a 24 km bulk water pipeline and a 102 km rural
water pipeline. This Project will be completed
in June 2009. In June last year, 189 community
water points in Otjozondjupa were transformed
into 1651 private individual NamWater customer
water points.
Under the Programme of Support to Dry-land
Crop Production Government provided fertilisers,
improved seeds and ploughing services to
farmers at subsidised rates.
An amount of N$ 25 million was spent to
implement this Programme.
The project was implemented in the six crop
growing regions, namely Caprivi, Kavango,
Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana and Oshikoto.
Floods and abnormal rains hampered the
effective implementation of the Programme
during the 2008/09 cropping season.
Quarantine farms at Omutambo-WoMawe,
Oshivelo, Okongo, Mangetti, Kopano and Katima
Mulilo have been upgraded through the project
Animal Health Improvement and Marketing in
the Northern Communal Areas (NCAs). The
ultimate aim of this project is to achieve the Foot-
and-Mouth Disease free status for the NCAs. In
addition, Government has erected and maintains
auction pins, thereby assisting farmers with the
marketing of their livestock.
The Eastern Caprivi Region has experienced
18 outbreaks of foot-and-month FMD since
November 2007. The recent outbreak of FMD in
the Kavango region caused disrupted international
marketing of livestock from the NCAs. Cabinet
directed the line Ministry to consult with local
traditional authorities and councillors in Mukwe
and Ndiyona constituencies to erect a temporary
barrier in the area 50 as to restrict the passage
of livestock to uninfected areas, and to facilitate
the vaccination and tagging of animals in the
affected constituencies.
Last year, Government provided N$100 million
to enable Agribank to reduce interest rates on
a wide range of products so as to ensure and
maintain affordability, of these products by the
farmers during the global economic crisis.
Interest rates on the National Agricultural Credit
Program (NACP) were reduced to 4 percent
In addition, Agribank introduced the loan
consolidation facility to provide further relief to
farmers by consolidating several existing loans
into one facility at weighted interest rates over a
period of between 10 to 25 years. Also introduced
during 2008 is the Ekwatho Meatco scheme to
assist farmers increase marketing of weaners to
the Meatco abattoirs. This will create more jobs
instead and reduce the export of livestock on the
hoof.
Since the inception of the scheme in November
2008, Agribank has granted N$ 14.9 million to
AALS farmers for the raising of weaners.
Agribank also signed a Memorandum of
Understanding with the Ministry of Land and
Resettlement to the amount of N$ 20 million
annually to establish the post settlement support
fund. The Fund is administered by Agribank to
enable resettled farmers access affordable financing
in order to improve and maximise agricultural
productivity. The loans will be offered to resettled
farmers at affordable interest rates of 4 percent
in order to stimulate productivity and enhance
the living standards of the resettled farmers and
promote economic development of the nation.
Energy and Power
The provision of reliable energy is crucial for our
economy. It is for this reason that our Government
is pursuing different option to secure a reliable
supply of electricity for the country. The rural
electrification programme remains an important
priority.
More than N$350 million has been invested in
electrifying rural communities in all regions of the
country, since the programme started.
The hydro-power option is also of strategic
importance for the country. The Namibia/Angola
Permanent Joint Technical Commission has
appointed the Cunene Consortium to conduct an
updated Techno-Economic study on the Baynes
Hydropower Option. The Consortium commenced
with their work during September 2008 and
submitted a Draft Phase 1 Report in January
2009. Phase 2 of the study has commenced and
is expected to be completed by March 2010. A
consultant has been appointed to conduct an
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
We are pursuing all viable options to improve and
expand local capacity for power generation. In this
Continues from page 17
regard, Government has engaged NamPower
to investigate the possibility of developing a
small-scale hydropower plant along the Orange
River. Activities in this regard are at an advanced
stage.
Contractors have been appointed to construct a
330KiloVolt High Voltage Direct Current Line from
Katima Mulilo to Otjiwarongo.
The line will connect Namibia’s power grid to
Zambia and Zimbabwe, making it possible for a
more direct trade in electricity.
In order to boost capacity, NamPower is adding
a fourth Unit at the Ruacana Hydro Power Plant.
It will add 80MegaWatts more to the existing
capacity of 249MegaWatts. This is another way
we can help secure the power supply needs of
our country in the long term.
The development expansion and maintenance
of our physical infrastructure is on of the
cornerstones of our national development
strategy. Many projects were carried out to
expand, repair and maintain our roads, bridges,
electricity networks, communication lines and
other vital infrastructure. This is important for
a number of reasons. Firstly, we must continue
to invest in our infrastructure in order to achieve
our strategic development goals and secondly,
we must act quickly to repair the damage caused
by flood waters in northern and north eastern
Namibia.
An amount of more than N$720 million was
invested in road maintenance programmes
during the period under review. This includes the
resealing of paved roads, routine maintenance,
special maintenance of bridges maintenance of
road reserves and road signs maintenance, re-
gravelling, re-compaction and lading of gravel
roads.
On 14 October 2008, Cabinet had approved an
amount of N$45 million from the Contingency
Fund to be allocated to the repair of flood
damaged road infrastructure in the northern and
north eastern regions of the countries.
The roads being repaired as a result of the
destruction by floods include the section of
roads between Okalongo and Outapi, the
road to Oneleiwa, the road between MR111 to
Onaanda, the road between Ondangwa and
Onakamwandi and the road between Ondangwa
and Ohalushu.
Continues on page 19
 State of the Nation Address
Other roads and bridges under the flood repair
programme are the Uukwiyu-Omukandu road,
Oshakati-Ompundja road, Oshakati-Endola
road, Ondangwa-Onakamwandi road, MR111 –
Onaanda road, Ogongo-Olutsiidhi road and the
Ongwediva bridge.
The Regional Roads Master Plans for Oshikoto,
Oshana, Omusati, Ohangwena and Kavango
were revised to a tune of N$4,5 million and the
revision took place during the period of October
2005-December 2008.
The feasibility study of Otavi-Tsumeb road started
in June 2007 and it was completed in September
2008. The feasibility study was carried out to
determine the viability of establishing of toll roads
in Namibia.
The Government is studying the possibility
of upgrading the Swakopmund-Henties Bay-
Kamanjab road to bitumen standards.
Other ongoing studies that are soon to be
completed during the year 2009 are: the Road
Safety and Traffic Management Study on various
roads in different regions of Namibia. The review
of the Overload Control Strategy in Namibia; and
the Weighbridge Construction Programme which
includes the construction of a new weighbridge
at Gobabis and the widening of Oshivelo
weighbridge.
The upgrading to bitumen standard of 104 km
road between Kamanjab and Omakange that
started in January 2007 was completed and was
officially inaugurated on 18 October 2008. This
road was upgraded to a value of N$178 million.
The rehabilitation of the road between Okahandja
and Karibib to the tune of N$304.6 million which
started on February 2008 is progressing well.
The upgrading to bitumen standard of the road
between Rosh Pinah and the Sendelingsdrif Turn-
off commenced in January 2008 and is expected
to be completed in May 2009 at cost of N$8.4
million.
Work has also started on Phase 1 of the tarring
of the road between Tsumeb and Katwitwi at the
border with Angola at the cost of N$800 million.
The upgrading to surfaced trunk road standards
of the road between Gobabis via Drimiopsis to
Otjinene which is a section of the connection
between the Trans-Kalahari and Trans-Caprivi
Highways is in the design phase and the design
is expected to be completed in June 2009. The
construction work will start in September 2009
while the completion is envisaged in September
2012. The construction of this road is estimated to
cost around N$600 million.
Other projects that are at the end of the pipeline,
about to be realized are among others; The widening
of the Divundu Bridge to the value of N$44 million
which will start in April 2009 and will be completed
in November 2009;
The design of the upgrading to bitumen standard of
a 25 km section of the road between Oshikuku and
Okalongo. The construction of this road is expected
to commence in May 2009 and to be completed
in April 2010 to the value of N$171 million. A the
completion of this road a section will immediately
be added to connect Okalongo to Omuvelo wa
Kasamane at the Boarder with Angola;
“Namibia must always be
a winning nation. Namibia
must continue to walk tall
among the community
of free nations. Namibia
must be a country of
equal opportunities to
every citizen. Namibia
must be a country of hope
and pride for the current
and future generations”.
The upgrading to bitumen standard of 83 km road
between Omakange and Okahao to a value of
N$345 million which is envisaged to commence in
May 2009 is expected to complete in July 2011.
Labour-based road construction projects are also
continuing in different pars of the country.
45 km of road between Ngoma-Muyako completed
in June 2008 at a value of N$21 million;
The road from Kongola to the Zambian border (23
km) completed in September 2008 to a value of
N$176 million;
Continues from page 17
The road from Katima Mulilo to Roano Qarantine
facility (5 km) started in September 2007 and
completed in August 2008; and
The ompundja-Eheke (50 km) gravel road was
completed in March 2009.
Other labour works construction projects under
the current financial year and financed by KfW
and European Union are include:
The road between Ekamba and Onkani (55 km)
The Okahao-Outapi road (45 km)
MR92 Omagongati road (12 km)
Todonro – Kamupupu road (15 km)
Rupara-Muveve-Gcangcu road (15 km) and
The road to Mangetti west Quarantine Camp (45
km).
All these projects will be completed before
November 2009.
Government is seized with the reintegration of
the veterans of the struggle for liberation into
the socio-economic mainstream of the Namibian
society. Government formulated laws, regulations
and policies to achieve this goal. Towards, this
end, Veterans Affairs, formulated the Veterans
Act, Act No 2 of 2008 was passed.
Among other things the Act provides for the
definition of who is a veteran and a dependant of a
veteran; as well as the registration of veterans and
dependant of veterans throughout the country.
On the 10 July 2008, the Government launched
the registration of veterans as stipulated in the
Veterans Act, starting with mass registration from
21 July to 05 October 2008 in all constituencies.
The Veterans Board, which will be responsible
for administering the Veterans Fund as stipulated
in the Veterans Act and approval of veterans’
applications was inaugurated on 3rd September
19
2008.
The Veterans Act also makes provision for the
economic projects for veterans. In doing so, job
opportunities will be created for the veterans
through projects such as brick making and
construction. The State may also fund individual
projects initiated by veterans themselves. These
projects are to be funded on a grant basis at the
amount not exceeding two hundred thousand
Namibia dollars (N$200,000.00) per project.
The Government will also continue with the
construction of houses for identified veterans.
The Electoral Commission of Namibia has made
significant progress with regards to preparations
for the 2009 Presidential and
Continues on page 20
 State of the Nation Address
National Assembly elections. The ECN has also
initiated a comprehensive review of the Electoral
Act, of 1992, resulting in formulation of a New
Electoral Act Amendment Bill. The Honourable
Members of Parliament deal with this piece of
legislation expeditiously and pass the Bill in time
for enactment into law before the forthcoming
national elections. The Electoral Commission
has recently completed a continuous voter’s
registration exercise in the Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa
and Khomas regions. The same exercise will be
carried out in Oshana and Ohangwena regions
during May 2009. All the other regions where
covered during 2007 and 2008.
In the recent past, the ECN has successfully
conducted a number of elections namely; the
Rundu Rural West Constituency by-election,
Eenhana Constituency by-election, Omuthiya
Local Authority election as well as the Tobias
Hainyeko Constituency by-election.
The nation must be rest assured that all persons
who could not be registered during the continuous
voters registration exercise will be captured during
a comprehensive nationwide supplementary
registration of voters exercise which will held be
during September 2009.
While we have, in principle agreed to the
introduction of Electronic Voting in the Namibian
Electoral System and the Electoral Commission
Hard working health workers to be rewarded
The Minister of Health and Social
Services (MoHSS), Dr. Richard Kamwi,
is disappointed that it appears as some
if of the staff of his Ministry are not able
20 to distinguish their roles as civil servants
from other interests or political activism, in
line with the provision of section 30 of the
Public Service Act No 13 of 1995. He said
that complaints have reached his office that
some staff members are actively engaged
in party politics in the hospital premises
during working hours at the expense of the
clients. He noted that although it is one’s
right to belong to a political party of his/
her choice, civil servants cannot actively
participate in such activities during official
hours.
Dr. Kamwi wants to see hard work among his
staff. He strongly recommended the submission
of monthly or quarterly management progress
reports on the implementation of the Ministry’s
has started with the ground for its implementation,
I wish to inform the nation that Electronic Voting
Machines will not be used in the forthcoming
national elections.
Furthermore, the ECN will carry out a rigorous
nationwide voter education and sensitization
program in order to prepare the electorate for
the forthcoming Presidential & National Assembly
elections. This is extremely important in order to
capture the new generation of voters especially the
“born frees”, who will be participating in Presidential
Elections for the first time.
We start the new Financial Year with renewed
commitment to the achievement of our national
priorities. The Honourable Members of this
august House have been scrutinizing and debating
the 2009/2010 Appropriation Bill for the past
few weeks. I am pleased that overall, the Bill
has received the support of the majority of the
Honourable Members.
I am also pleased that, where warranted, genuine
criticisms have been raised with the view to
improve. The Appropriation Bill is a planning tool
for the execution of Government plans over a
specific period.
While I have highlighted some of the major
intended plans of Government in the new Financial
Year and beyond, the Appropriation Bill provides
Strategic Plan, workshops and meetings attended
by members of the management team to keep
the Ministry informed.
The Strategic Plan and the scorecard will be
the main tools through which the affairs of the
Ministry will be managed. The Minister said he
will initiate varied incentives to award those who
go the extra mile to achieve their work plans in
addition to the Ministerial Awards for Excellence
to be introduced along the following categories:
• Category A: An annual Floating Trophy for
Well Managed/Run Hospital (e.g. Cleanliness,
Friendliness and Responsiveness to the needs
of clients). This trophy will be accompanied
by a price of N$10 000;
• Category B: Manager of the Year Award for
outstanding individual performance to the
tune of N$5 000;
• Category C: The Nurse of the Year Award to
the tune of N$4 000;
Continues from page 19
the full details of Government expenditure in
the next 12 months.
As we look back at the period under review,
we are encouraged by the successes that have
been recorded. At the same time, we are
reminded of the improvements that we must
make in order to serve more people, reach more
communities and improve the living conditions of
those Namibians who live in difficult conditions.
The lessons of the past have spurred us to plan
better and work smarter. We are confident that
we will do better, achieve more and improve the
performance of the public service in the new
Financial Year and in the future.
Namibia must always be a winning nation.
Namibia must continue to walk tall among
the community of free nations. Namibia must
be a country of equal opportunities to every
citizen. Namibia must be a country of hope and
pride for the current and future generations.
Namibia must be a country where the vices
of tribalism, regionalism, nepotism, corruption,
racism, sexism and crime have no place. Our
SWAPO PARTY Government is fully committed
to achieving these objectives.
Long Live the Republic of Namibia!
I thank you.
• Category D: Supervisor of the Year Award
to the tune of N$3 000 and
• A Positive Behaviour Certificate.
The office of the Minister is busy working out
the specifics of the awards in collaboration with
the Permanent Secretary and the Directorate
responsible for Policy, Planning and Human
Resources Development.
Dr. Kamwi urged staff and the management
team of his Ministry to focus on implementation
of the Ministry’s Strategic Plan and the
improvement of the delivery of best health
services to the Namibian population. “As
professionals responsible for saving lives and
making a difference to the most vulnerable
groups, through the provision of health and
social services, we must at all times maintain
the highest standards of ethics, professionalism,
accountability, integrity and impartiality to all
our clients and visitors,” said Dr. Kamwi.