RDJ Briefing - April 2020 by RDJ Briefing

APRIL, 2020

The Namibia

ENERGY & SUSTAINABILITY News & Analysis

THE COVID-19 ERA Is Everything Covered?

Cover Image is courtesy of www.cdc.gov

IN THIS MONTHâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ISSUE: COVID-19 Economic Impact Updates

Organisations Contribute Towards Alleviation of COVID19 Damage

Messaging Service Usage and Mobile Subscriptions Update

Namibia Flood Statistical Update April Dam Levels Update

The NAMIBIA Country Briefing of RDJ Consulting

RDJ CONSULTING SERVICES CC. Energy & Sustatinability

WHAT WE OFFER EXPERIENCE Utility and Mining, On grid and Off-grid, Rural community understanding (Africa, Asia and Caribbean) PROJECT Assessments and supervision, including procurement (bidding / tender documentation) ESS Environmental Impacts along with scoping and site assessment DATA Data collection, data verification, modelling and referencing against national data sets TRAINING Onsite, Offsite and planned training modules to align people with project objectives PUBLICATIONS Blog sets, Weekly summaries and Monthly "briefing" publications

C O N T E N T S

FromTheEditor

Quick Facts

Economy at Large

Oil & Gas

Electricity

Renewable Energy

Water

Roads and Transport

Telecommunications

Financing

"Women in Industry"

"Youth in Action"

Tenders and Careers

HighlightsÂ From 2020 Career Day

Image is courtesy of www.cdc.gov

APRIL, 2020

From the Editor THE COVID-19 ERA Is Everything Covered? Dear Reader,

RDJ Consulting Services CC is an advisory consultancy to the Energy, Water and Transport Sectors with a focus on sustainable operations and renewable energy.

PO Box 23738 Windhoek, NAMIBIA Telephone +264 61 400 171 EMAIL briefing@rdjconsulting.co.za WEBSITE www.rdjconsulting.co.za

As the RDJ Briefing continues to strive to provide you with current information and commentary on the Energy and Sustainability matters, the world continues to fight against the spread of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) virus. This pandemic has created a wave of uncertainties and increased emergency demand on the World’s resources. Ever since the discovery of the first phase of Covid-19 cases, certain activities that required grouping of individuals were banned, remote working was encouraged, and restrictions have been put on unnecessary movements. Resultant to this, many countries have been closing their borders and locking down key areas. Namibia has followed recommendations and implemented a State of Emergency since 18th March 2020 which as of 17th April 2020 (http://www.lac.org.na/laws/2020/7159.pdf) has seen an extended “lockdown” till 5th May 2020. So now as the lockdown takes effect, communities have been requesting or receiving aid in terms of food, shelter, medical assistance, money and other support. In this time, the Bank of Namibia has cut its repo rate twice within short succession to keep aligned with the common monetary area and that has created lower prime lending rates for all borrowers. This is accompanied by decreasing fuel prices and state agencies such as the City of Windhoek and Keetmanshoop Municipality either reconnecting water supply of those residents with outstanding bills or providing a special electricity tariff for low-income residents. After all these and other responsive actions that are being done, can we say with confidence that all is covered? To find out more, please enjoy reading this Publication which was carefully prepared for you by our interns and do join our conversations on Twitter and Wordpress . Further, if you are new to the RDJ Briefing, subscribe to this FREE Publication at briefing@rdjconsulting.co.za and freely share the link with others that will benefit from its contents. Enjoy, #Stay Safe and Comments are welcome….

(David A. Jarrett) Editor

Authors RDJ Interns*

This report is a FREE Publication and was prepared by RDJ Consulting Services CC based in Windhoek, Namibia. The content is collected from publicly available information and so its accuracy cannot be guaranteed.

quick facts Population size: 2.3 Million Employment: 66.6% Literacy rate: 89.0% GDP Growth (2018): -0.1% Repo Rate: 4.25% Interest rate (Prime): 8.00% Inflation (CPI): 2.4% Industries: Tourism, Mining, Fishing Telecom (sophistication): LTE Mobile - cell phones: 2.575 million Subscribers Water availability: 8 800 000 cubic litres/capita Electricity Gen. (Local): 484.000 MW Electricity Demand (all): 629.000 MW

Procedures for Self-Quarantine under Covid-19

Self-quarantine is recommended for individuals who have been directly exposed to the new Coronavirus or have history of travel in infected or heavily populated areas.

Stay at home.

Wash your hands.

Limit all your nonessential travels.

Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol or hand sanitizer.

Unless you're going out for food, medicines or other essentials.

Check your temperature. Check your temperature at least two times a day.

Watch for other symptoms. Aside from fever, Covid-19 symptoms include cough, difficulty breathing, and fatigue.

Practice social distancing. If you need to go out, maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance from others.

Stay in a specific room. If you're sick or suspect yourself to be sick, it's best to stay in a designated room or area away from others. If possible, have a designated toilet and bathroom as well.

Call your doctor or hospital before visiting. If you need to seek medical attention whether for viral symptoms or other medical care reasons, contact your doctor or hospital ahead of time so they can prepare and take precautions for your arrival.

Source â&#x20AC;˘ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov)

APRIL, 2020

THE ECONOMY AT LARGE Namibian Central Bank Reduces Repo Rate Twice to Revive the Economy

The graph is the author’s representation of Namibia’s Annual Repo Rate (averages) as of 1990 to-date. Data Source – Bank of Namibia’s Annual Reports

uring the current unprecedented situation, many central banks are adjusting their monetary policies in order to spur economic growth amid the

Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The South African Reserve Bank for instance, has cut its repurchase (repo) rate by 100 basis points (bps) twice already, whereby it decreased its repurchase (repo) rate from 6.25 to 5.25% as of 20 March 2020, and then to a further 4.25% on 14 April, 2020. This move led the Central Bank of Namibia to also cut its repurchase rate by 100 base points twice and consecutively in a short period of time, that is, from 6.25% to 5.25% in March 2020, and then to a further 4.25% on 15 April 2020. This is the first time in the Namibian history that the repo rate has been this low since independence in 1990. The reduction in the repo rate was done to revive economic growth, mitigate the impact of COVID-19 while ensuring the inflation remains within the target. The central bank has cut its repo rate to a historic low in an effort to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 on Namibia’s

embattled economy. The cut is expected to inject about N$1 billion into the economy within 2020. The Minister of Finance has also asked all commercial banks to cut their prime rate and other repo ratebenchmarked rates for businesses and consumers in order to create an immediate economic impact. Commercial banks have since then reduced their prime-lending rates by a 100 basis points twice as well, from 10.00% to 9.00% in March 2020, and now to further 8% as of 15 April 2020.

Readings: https://www.resbank.co.za/Publications/Detail-ItemView/Pages/Publications.aspx?sarbweb=3b6aa07d-92ab-441f-b7bfbb7dfb1bedb4&sarblist=21b5222e-7125-4e55-bb6556fd3333371e&sarbitem=9790 https://www.bon.com.na/Bank/Monetary-Policy/Monetary-PolicyStatements/2020-Monetary-Policy-Statements.aspx https://www.namibiansun.com/news/lowest-rates-sinceindependence2020-03-23/ https://www.namibian.com.na/89511/read/BoN-urges-commercialbanks-to-cut-prime-rate https://www.bon.com.na/Publications/Annual-Reports.aspx? www.bon.com.na

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APRIL, 2020

COVID-19 Economic Impact Updates and corporations are advised to manage the recent effects of drought and Covid-19 through the available banking system. The regulatory and policy relief measures are:

AUTHOR: Ms. Naemi Shoopala Head - Research @ RDJ Consulting

ovid-19 has not only caused disruptions in the health sector but continues to negatively impact other sectors as well, creating economic, social

and financial crisis. As the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases increase, the measures needed to curb its rapid transmission ought to increase as well. The government of the republic of Namibia have implemented stricter measures as a result of the afore mentioned. These measures include among others, the lockdown of two regions namely, Khomas and Erongo, which has now been extendedto the whole country as from midnight of the 17th April 2020. Several facilities have been closed as part of an attempt to avoid further spread of coronavirus. These facilities include municipal libraries, museum, parks, swimming pools and all public markets, while street vending has also been banned. The Bank of Namibia (BoN) was tasked by the Cabinet to assess the impact of Covid-19 on the local economy in order to make proper recommendations to cushion the effects of the outbreak. Additionally, in order to directly support individuals, BoN encouraged banking institutions to play their role in supporting the economy by responding swiftly to the needs of their customers. Therefore, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)

1. Liquidity relief measures: The Bank has decided to relax the determination on Liquidity Risk Management such that the expected outflows may exceed the inflows but not more than the excess liquidity above the regulatory limit. 2. The Bank has reduced the capital conservation buffer rate to 0 percent for at least 24 months in order to support banking institutions supply credit to the economy. 3. The Bank postponed the effective date of implementation of the 25 percent single borrower limit of capital funds and concentration risk limit. The effects of Covid-19 are dynamic and changes by the hour. Apart from having clear indications that we are looking towards a slip into recession if the virus is not contained, it is quite difficult, if not impossible to calculate the losses whilst forecasting the economic impact of the virus on economic figures. Results will likely prove unrealistic. While the current situation is unpredictable and worrisome, the prompt reactions of the Namibian government, BoN and other bodies in a position to instil change have created a sense of hope for all economic stakeholders.

Readings: http://www.mhss.gov.na/documents https://neweralive.na/posts/covid-19-municipality-closes-ekutuopen-market https://neweralive.na/posts/coronavirus-could-significantlyincrease-unemployment-shinguadja

Image Credit: https://www.cdc.gov/

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APRIL, 2020

MITSMED Calls for Import Substitution

NSA Suspends Census Mapping due to Covid-19

mport Substitution is a trade and economic policy which promotes domestic production of previously imported goods for their replacement. The strategy

aims at reducing a nation’s dependency on imported goods, and at the same time foster industrialization. The Minister of Industrialization, Trade and SME Development (MITSMED), Tjekero Tweya has urged Namibians to support locally manufactured goods in order to inject into the country’s economy. The Minister made these remarks during his visit to the Namibia Industrial Development Agency (NIDA) in Keetmanshoop which recently stepped up into the establishment of a state-ofthe-art garment factory. During his visit, the Minister also suggested a collaboration between the Agro Trading and Marketing Agency (AMTA) and the Namibia Standards Institution (NSI), where AMTA buys up local products and thereafter markets it in order to ensure that local producers are adequately compensated, whilst the NSI ensures that the hygiene and validity of the products are up to the national quality standards. In support of increasing local production to decrease dependency on imports as well as support Namibia’s “growth at home strategy”, the Minister also inaugurated Bakpro’s bread manufacturing facility at Okapuka farm located outside Windhoek. The facility, built at a cost of about N$135 million, started operations in 2019 and is owned by Namib Mills Investment Group (NMI), under the Bakpro brand.

Readings: https://neweralive.na/posts/tweya-praises-sme-development-inkharas https://neweralive.na/posts/tweya-calls-for-less-import-of-products

Image Credit: https://nsa.org.na/

ollowing the directive by President Hage Geingob who called for a state of emergency due to the Coronavirus (Covid-19), the Namibian Statistics

Agency (NSA) has put a halt to the census mapping exercise until the end of the lockdown, or when the current critical situation becomes stable. This was stated in media release published on 19th March 2020 by NSA. Census Mapping is the process of dividing the country into smaller units of land, during which Enumeration Area (EA) boundaries and type are clearly described, and the number of communally based services is identified. Halting of this activity was necessary since it required mapping field staff visiting numerous houses for face-toface interviews, which may increase the risk of virus transmission between mapping staff members and the household members responding to the survey in case one party is infected unknowingly.

Readings:

Image Credit: https://ihsmarkit.com

https://neweralive.na/posts/nsa-halts-census-mapping-due-tocovid-19 https://cms2.my.na/assets/documents/Media_statement__NSA_halts_Census_Mapping_Covid_19_public_19_March_2020.pdf http://www.fao.org/3/I9403EN/i9403en.pdf

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APRIL, 2020

OIL AND GAS

Image showing vehicles fuelling up in one of Namibia's petrol stations. Image courtesy of RDJ Consulting

Fuel Prices Continue to Decrease

he COVID-19 has led to the reduction of global demand for oil products. Most industries have unexpectedly closed down, and as a result, so did

several airlines. The oil market has since been experiencing a downward shift in demand, forcing oil suppliers to reduce prices in order to restore equilibrium in the oil market.

April 2020 Fuel Prices

In a media release dated 26th March 2020, The Namibian government, through the Ministry of Mines and Energy decreased the price of 95 Octane Unleaded PetrolÂ from N$13.05 per litre to N$11.35 while Diesel 50ppm was reduced from N$13.33 per litre to N$12.13. These prices were effective as of 1st April 2020.

N$ 11.35

N$ 12.13

per litre

95 Octane Unleaded Petrol

Diesel 50ppm

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APRIL, 2020

ELECTRICITY

Image showing electricity distribition in one of Namibia's settlements. Image courtesy of RDJ Consulting

Keetmanshoop Introduces SRT for Low Income Earners

ith the current economic conditions in Namibia and the world at large, leaders are trying by all means to ensure that their people are able to at

least meet their basic needs. As such, the Keetmanshoop Municipality has introduced a special electricity tariff for low-income residents called Social Responsibility Tariff (SRT) of up to 15 amperes. This was announced by Desmond Basson the municipality’s Chief executive at a press conference hosted at the council’s chambers in March 2020. The gesture is an effort to bring the muchneeded relief to the municipality’s valued customers.

Electricity has now become "a necessity and not a luxury". Hon. Fransina Kahungu - City of Windhoek Mayor

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APRIL, 2020

RENEWABLE ENERGY The Biomass Plant in Otjiwarongo Begins Production

TOP: Biomass as fuel for cooking - Courtesy of RDJ Consulting ; LEFT: Collected wood/biomass - Courtesy of iStock/catalby ; RIGHT: Biomas as bushbased animal feed - Courtesy of www.ec.europa.eu

fter consultations with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), along with the support received from the Ministry

of Industrialization and Trade (MIT), the Walvis Bay Corridor Group (WBCG) commissioned a biomass production plant early in April 2020. UNIDO’s “Strategic Action Plan for Sustainable Bush Value Chains In Namibia” Report states that to achieve this realisation, an estimated N$10 Million was invested in this project. According the Project Manager of WBCG, the plant which is situated in Central Northern Namibia at Otjiwarongo

will use a sizeable amount of raw biomass (wood chips) and semi-processed biomass (wood pellets) from neighbouring farms to produce processed biomass in the form of bush-based animal feed and clean charcoal to export to global markets. He also added that this project will create sustainable jobs for the logistics industry.

Readings: https://www.namport.com.na/news/641/Namibia-commissionsbiomass-production-plant/ http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-04/04/c_138947250.htm https://www.unido.org/sites/default/files/files/202002/Namibia.pdf

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+264 61 400 171

APRIL, 2020

WATER Namibia Flood Statistical Update

Moderateresolution Imaging Spectrometer, also referred to as MODIS Flood Map (250m resolution) depicting flood waters in the upper Zambezi and eastern Zambezi floodplains. Credit: floodmap@lis ts.nasa.gov

he SADC Climate Services have issued warnings regarding flood possibilities in different SADC countries, including Namibia, with specific focusÂ

on the northern regions of Oshana, Ohangwena, Omusati and Oshikoto. The regions have been put on high alerts as heavy rains are expected with floods flowing from the side of Angola. The eastern Zambezi floodplains also continue to rapidly fill up and there is strong backflow towards Ngoma Bridge and Lake Liambezi. The Chobe River level at the Chobe Water Villas is increasing and currently stand at 6.42m. The Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectrometer, also referred to as MODIS Flood Map below (250m resolution) depicts flood waters in the upper Zambezi and eastern Zambezi floodplains.

The Hydrological Services under the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry does not expect the previous flood records to be attained but the current floods and its possible impacts must be rated exceptional. Communities residing in the Okavango West and Okavango East regions and the eastern Zambezi floodplains are cautioned to be on high alert for possible flooding. They are therefore advised to take the necessary precautionary measures.

Readings: floodmap@lists.nasa.gov https://floodmap.modaps.eosdis.nasa.gov/ https://www.sadc.int/themes/meteorology-climate/

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APRIL, 2020

April Dam Levels Update

Most of the country’s dams have continued to receive significant inflows especially the central dams. Below is a graph showing major dam water levels. Information is obtained from NamWater: Author's representation of Namibia's Dam levels for the month of April 2020. (Adopted from NamWater's weekly dam bulletins)

CoW Reconnects Water Supply for those with Outstanding Bills

ue to the crisis brought by the outbreak of the Coronavirus (Covid-19) that led to a national state of emergency declaration by the President, the

City of Windhoek (CoW) has authorised the reconnection of water supplies that were disconnected due to unsettled bills. This was reported by Mayor of Windhoek during a press conference that took place on 24 March 2020, where she

stressed that water supply of consumers who owe the municipality would be reconnected in March 2020 and disconnected again after thirty (30) days. Water is vital to maintain a healthy environment and in this criterial time it is needed to fight the deadly Covid-19, she said. Additionally, the municipality also intended to scale up the provision of water in informal settlements, including the placement of water tanks at strategic places.

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APRIL, 2020

ROADS AND TRANSPORT NaTIS Branches out to Divundu

esidents of Divundu, a village on the south-eastern banks of the Okavango River which is about 200km east of Rundu in the Kavango East Region, have

recently celebrated the inauguration of the new Transport Information and Regulatory Services – NaTIS office at their village. The minister of Roads and Transport who officially gave the locals access to the new office, expressed his contentment in this initiative since the people would no longer need to travel to Rundu to make use of vehicle registration and learner’s licensing services as they did previously. Apart from providing testing and issuing of learner’s licenses, vehicle registration and licensing services, the new NaTIS office will also be renewing vehicle and driving licenses, as well as supplying vehicle number plates with Divundu shortened as DV. With respect to the management of the NaTIS office, an agreement between the Roads Authority (RA) and the Divundu Village Council was signed. The agreement states that RA will not only be managing the office but also cover all costs contracted by the village council. At the same time, it states that the centre is under the RA’s management. RA’s CEO who spoke at the same event also clarified that the RA is pledged in bringing services closer to the people. He further informed the locals of their plan to construct the Divundu-Muhembo road with the aim of avoiding more accidents from happening on that road. Additionally, on behalf of the RA, the CEO also presented Divundu Combined School with a N$5 000 pledge for assistance.

NaTIS Takes Precautionary Measures in Curbing for Covid-19 Spread

rganisations in Namibian are playing their role in reducing the risk of exposing their clients and staff to Corona Virus (COVID-19). This is being

done by implementing remote working, reducing number of working days or working hours in a week, while others have completely stopped activities that increase the risk of being infected by the virus. One of the organisations in action form the Namibian Transport Sector is the Namibian Roads Authority (RA), through its subdivision of Transport Information and Regulatory Services – NaTIS. This organisation for example, has discontinued new applications for learner drivers’ licences and taxi permits until 15 April. But due to a total of 2 790 learners drivers test bookings already received as of 31 March 2020, NaTIS has decided to attend to them in smaller groups of at most fifteen (15) learners per class. This action was taken in response to the new regulations put in place to further curb transmission of the virus. NaTIS offices will be carrying out the necessary procedures to inform the individuals with the new disposition. However, the distribution of passenger transport permits, along with renewals for cross-border permits and abnormal permits copies will proceed as per usual.

LEFT: Image Curtesy of https://www.ra.org.na/Pages/natis.aspx

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APRIL, 2020

NAMPOL Substitutes Breathalysers With Blood Testing for Drunk Drivers

n fear of the coronavirus spreading, the Namibian Police (NAMPOL) have immediately discontinued the use of breathalysers at roadblocks for about a month

or until the government states otherwise. An issue by the Inspector-General of NAMPOL conducted all heads of directorates, regional commanders, head of divisions and the entire force to make sure that the suspension of all alcohol breathalysers testing is held. As an alternative means of testing suspected drunk drivers, the police opted for blood testing. Thus far, blood testing kits for drunken and driving offences have temporarily substituted the banned breathalysers. This is one of the measures being taken to avoid the spread of coronavirus pandemic, amongst others, in response to the national emergency declaration on the global pandemic made by President of the nation.

Image a car during learner's driving test in Windhoek - Namibia. Credit: https://www.namibian.com.na/191425/archive-read/LearnersLicence-Trials-and-Tribulations

Public Transport Services in Windhoek Improved

320

Bus stops

Bus Drivers

Complime ntary Routes

Buses

Lines

he City of Windhoek bus service was introduced in 1958 with only two buses to transport the Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s workforce, mainly domestic, between

their homes and workplaces. After Namibiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s independence in 1990, the demand for bus services increased, and the City made big investments to improve the operation which included an increased number of bus fleets, additional bus routes and introduction of low floor buses that offer easier access to people with special needs. The diagram on the left is an outline of the improved public transport Service statistics as of February 2020.

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APRIL, 2020

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

A network tower in Windhoek, Namibia. ImageÂ is courtesy of RDJ Consulting

Messaging Service Usage and Mobile Subscriptions Update

ccording to the quarterly newsletter released in March 2020 by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), Short Message

Service (SMS) usage has been on a gradual decrease as customers have switched to Instant Messaging (IM) applications. Mobile subscriptions increased by 59% during 2017 & 2018 and currently stands at 2.24 million. The increase has been described by CRAN as possible result of the 081everyone campaign made by the Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC Namibia) in 2017 to ensure 100% population coverage by the year 2022.

In terms of Telecoms Sophistication, 83% of the Namibian population Currently have 3G coverage, while 4G trails behind, with only 36% of the population having coverage. With most of the population having access to internet, it is recorded that the most popular IM application utilised by customers is WhatsApp, indicating a total of about 98% IM done through it.

Readings: https://www.mtc.com.na/uploads/downloads/annual_reports/MTC %20Integrated%20Annual%20Report%202019_singles.pdf https://www.cran.na/images/docs/economics/CRAN_Quarterly_New sletter_Mar_2019.pdf

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APRIL, 2020

FINANCING Organisations Contribute Towards Alleviation of COVID-19 Damage

ince the outbreak of COVID-19, nations, organisations, and individuals have been joining hands in effort to fight against the fast spread of the

virus which has caused damaging impacts to the world. De Beers contributed a U.S $2 500 000 to Namibia and Botswana to aid response to the COVID-19 crisis in order to support community leaders, healthcare professionals, and governments in countries and communities in which we live and work. According to De Beers group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bruce Cleaver, De Beers Group is a 50/50 joint venture partnership between Botswana and Namibia in the recovery and sorting of rough diamonds. The Group is currently focussed in supporting response measures towards the pandemic in its host communities. This is achieved by primarily preparing communities for the crisis, support the emergency response and be a partner in economic recovery of its host countries. Several other local organisations have also come forward, donating funds in order to assist the government in dealing with the pandemic. The funds donated by these firms are an effort to ensure that those at home practising social distancing have basic needs such as water. The organisations included: RÖSSING Uranium – donated N$200 000 to the Namibian Government in its fight agaist the pandemic.

O&L Group – collaborated with industry to provide sufficient water fit for human consumption to areas where an undersupply has resulted in crowding and subsequent health risks to the public. Ministry of Finance – launched the COVID-19 Emergency Income Grant (EIG) on 10 April 2020. The once off N$750 grant is meant for people between the ages of 18 and 59 that have lost their livelihood or are unemployed and their situation has worsened because of the lockdown restrictions. The Namibia Students Financial Assistance Fund (NSFAF) – planning to give N$10 000 per student, as non-tuition fees, to help them acquire essential tools and secure connectivity as classes are alternatively being offered online.

Readings: https://www.debeersgroup.com/creating-stories/2020/Covid-25M https://www.rossing.com/bullet/rossing-donates-coronavirus.htm https://www.namibian.com.na/89502/read/R%C3%B6ssing-makesdonation-to-fight-against-coronavirus https://www.ol.na/ol-group-collaborates-industry-strengthengovernments-efforts-addressing-covid-19-impact https://www.nbc.na/news/beneficiaries-start-receiving-emergencyincome-grants-tuesday.29911 https://neweralive.na/posts/nsfaf-to-pay-n10-000-towards-nontuition-fees

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APRIL, 2020

Image is courtesy of RDJ Consulting

Corporate Namibia Raises N$863 479 Towards Drought Relief

MET Hails in Past Environmental Projects Implemented

uring his address to the National Assembly on his ministry’s achievements, the Minister of Environment and Tourism (MET) stated that over

the last five years, the Ministry has administered a total of twelve projects which were funded by the Green Climate Fund, the Global Environment Facility and the Adaptation Fund. ollowing an initiative in the form of a workshop that took place in Windhoek by Corporate Namibia, a sum of N$863 479 has been raised towards drought

relief in the Kunene Region. Corporate Namibia is a non-governmental organisation – Integrated Rural Development and Nature Conservation (IRDNC). The Executive Director of IRDNC said that the amount raised from the Debmarine Namibia, Namdeb Foundation, Ongava Game Reserve, Wilderness Safari, Agri bank, FirstRand Namibia Foundation Trust, Natural Selection and Dundee Precious Metals Tsumeb Community Trust, is directed to the Meat Carcass initiative in Kunene region. The need for the emergency workshop in Windhoek was due to the devastating impact left brought by the drought on many communal conservancies and rural farmers. The workshop was attended by government officials, development agencies, local corporate firms, and other non-governmental who discussed on how to mitigate the effects of the drought.

For implantation, the projects required a sum of N$1.2 billion, which was mobilised by the Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia (EIF), and they covered the areas of biodiversity, climate change adaption and mitigation and combating land degradation. Five of the twelve projects were implemented under a bilateral cooperation agreement with financial support from the German government worth N665.6 million and are being implemented in partnership with GIZ and the German Development Bank (KfW). According to the Minister, each of the projects was designed to demonstrate new innovations and technologies as Namibia steps up efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change, stop biodiversity loss and combat land degradation and desertification. He therefore stressed that MET would continue ensuring that all donor-funded projects are managed and implemented by Namibians and create job opportunities for interns and young graduates whose involvement in the past projects was significant.

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APRIL, 2020

WOMEN IN INDUSTRY Women Fearlessly Involved in the Fight Against Covid-19 An Example of Sophia Burger – NWR Assistant Manager AUTHOR: Naemi Shoopala Head - Research @RDJ Consulting

he world is currently battling an ongoing pandemic, Coronavirus (Covid-19). The virus which was first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019 was declared as a Public Health Emergency of international concern on 30 January 2020, and on 11 March 2020, it was recognized as a pandemic by the world Health organization. The spread of this virus was so fast due to travels and trade that by the 11th of March, there were already 118 000 cases recorded in 114 countries. Because of the way the virus is transmitted, which is from person to person in close proximity and the fact that it is similar to other respiratory illnesses such as flu, the numbers have been devastatingly increasing and as of 17 April 2020, there was a total number of 2 173 432 confirmed cases worldwide. The incubation period of the Coronavirus is an additional threat, as health officials believe infected individuals can transmit the virus during this period of 14 days without knowing. Governments have been forced to step up efforts to contain the spread of the virus. Experts have cautioned people to avoid crowded places and frequently wash hands while practicing social distancing by staying at home and only leaving for essential reasons. Namibia is no different from the rest of the world. After confirming its first cases on 14 March 2020, the government has been doubling its efforts to ensure the safety of the people. But just like uplifting the economy, the government alone cannot

The NWR Hardap resort which accomodated fourty people during their fourteen days of isolationin the South of Namibia - April 2020. Image is courtesy of travelnewsnamibia.com

succeed without the support of the private sector, individuals, and the whole country at large. On this understanding, several individuals, including women, have identified the need to lend a helping hand to the government. Of the many women in Namibia, mainly the front-line workers that continue putting their lives at risk in order to serve those in need of essentials services, this Section of the RDJ Briefing singled out Mrs. Sophia Burger, the Assistant Manager of the Namibia Wildlife Resort (NWR) in Hardap, and applauds her for fearlessly assisting fourty vulnerable tourists by opening up an isolation center for them in the Resort. Despite the increasing need for isolation which necessitated the offer, residents in the area were not in support of the move. However, the backlash received from the community did not alter the will of Mrs. Burger in assisting the 40 people who needed a place for isolation. On the contrary, Mrs. Burger and her colleagues at the Resort feared nothing and faced the situation by accommodating the people

and taking care of them until their release. The Hardap Resort has 54 rooms with 220 beds, ranging from dormitory rooms to family chalets with self-catering facilities. It was chosen as an isolation facility as it provided the necessary isolation environment needed. Mrs Sophia Burger was highly grateful for the experience and the manner in which her team came together to assist in contributing towards this national cause. NWR acting managing director Matthias Ngwangwama described Mrs Burger and the employees of the NWR as heroes and heroines. When interviewed by NBC TV, Mrs. Burger said that she wanted to assure future Hardap resort guests that the resort has been disinfected and sanitised by the Ministry of Health and Social Services to ensure their safety. “No one should be afraid to come and pay us a visit after the lockdown has been removed”she said. Readings & Notes https://www.who.int https://www.healthline.com https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/ https://www.aljazeera.com http://www.mhss.gov.na https://www.nwr.com.na https://www.namibian.com.na

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APRIL, 2020

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NAMCOR Tender name: Maintenance and Repair Contract for The National Oil Storage Facility And Jetty For A Period Of Two (2) Years Closing date: Thursday, 30 April 2020, @12:00 PM

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APRIL, 2020

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