The rdj briefing 2017 10 27 by RDJ Briefing

Namibia News & Analysis

October 2017

Sustainable Tourism Country Briefing

Country Brief – NAMIBIA

October 2017

Quick Facts Population size Employment Literacy

2.30 million

GDP Growth 2016 Repo Rate Interest rate (Prime) Inflation rate

0.20% 7.00% 10.50% 5.60%

66.00% 89.00%

Geographic size 824,292 km²

Budget (Current) N$62.54 Billion

Free vector map of Namibia outline - by One Stop Map

Industries Telecom (sophistication) Mobile - cell phones

Tourism, Mining, Fishing

Water Availability / capita1

8, 800, 000Litres/capita

Electricity Gen. (Local) Electricity Demand (all)

484.000 MW

LTE 2.575 million subscribers

2005 Figures https://www.greenfacts.org/en/water-resources/figtableboxes/aquastat123.htm

Energy & Sustainability News & Analysis

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629.000 MW

Country Brief – NAMIBIA

October 2017

Table of Contents Economic growth at a glance ................................................................................................................ 6 •

Mining continues its contribution to the economy .................................................................. 6

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Local bank joins digital tax assistance wave ............................................................................. 6

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Statistical update - Namibia Statistics Agency 2017 ................................................................. 6

A Glimpse at the Future ........................................................................................................................ 7 •

Wireless charging is now a reality ............................................................................................ 7

•

App development gets a boost ................................................................................................. 7

Oil & Gas ............................................................................................................................................... 8 •

Oil rises on signs of tighter market ........................................................................................... 8

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South Africa plans to use gas for its energy mix ....................................................................... 8

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Nigeria stocks 2 billion litres of petrol for year-end use........................................................... 8

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Namcor to present revised fuel import business case ............................................................. 9

Uranium ................................................................................................................................................ 9 •

Maiden mineral resource estimate at Tumas 3 impressive – Deep Yellow.............................. 9

Electricity ............................................................................................................................................ 10 •

Regional energy development ................................................................................................ 10

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Arandis Power? ....................................................................................................................... 11

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Omusati education circuits without electricity? ..................................................................... 11

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Leonardville cut off after telecoms tower collapsed .............................................................. 11

•

CENORED High power tariffs questioned ............................................................................... 11

Renewable Energy .............................................................................................................................. 13 •

Solar Lamps make a difference ............................................................................................... 13

•

Cobalt search in Opuwo driven by energy storage demand .................................................. 13

•

Rural women go for solar electrification training in India ...................................................... 14

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Pilot wind power plant at Lüderitz transferred to local authority.......................................... 14

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Foreign Expert urges Namibia to go 100pct renewable energy ............................................ 14

Desalination talks stalled ........................................................................................................ 15

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Water conservation under spotlight at high level talks .......................................................... 15

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City warns Windhoek water consumption jumped due to hot weather ................................ 15

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Desalinated water for Bethanie, Grünau ................................................................................ 15

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Omuthiya to pump toxic water from wells ............................................................................. 16 Energy & Sustainability News & Analysis

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Water .................................................................................................................................................. 15

Country Brief – NAMIBIA

October 2017

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Water for livestock to dry up soon in northern regions ......................................................... 16

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Otsalindi residents excavate earth dam ................................................................................. 16

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New amenities in Sikondo from the benefits of tourism........................................................ 16

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Water research elevated to national priority for both Namibia and South Africa ................. 16

Telecommunications........................................................................................................................... 17 •

Minister calls for youth involvement in the ICT industry ....................................................... 17

The Environment ................................................................................................................................ 17 •

Africa and eWaste................................................................................................................... 17

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E-waste could become a nuisance in Africa ........................................................................... 17

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Marine pollution levy coming ................................................................................................. 17

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Anti-poaching organisation gets financial boost for projects ................................................. 18

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Rent-A-Drum scoops top award ............................................................................................. 18

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Invader Bush Study reveals vast economic potential within Otjozondjupa ........................... 19

Financing ............................................................................................................................................. 20 •

Climate centre planned for Mashare ...................................................................................... 20

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Financial Info Hub established ................................................................................................ 20

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Rural water treatment project gets N$60 million injection from the Adaptation Fund ........ 20

Tenders ............................................................................................................................................... 21 Careers and Jobs ................................................................................................................................. 22

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Disclaimer ........................................................................................................................................... 26

Energy & Sustainability News & Analysis

Country Brief – NAMIBIA

October 2017

This report is a FREE Publication and was prepared by RDJ Consulting Services CC based in Windhoek, Namibia. The content is collated from publicly available information and so its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Advertising aligned with our objectives of Sustainable Resource usage is welcome. Contact Details; RDJ Consulting Services CC PO Box 23738 Windhoek, NAMIBIA

Editor: David Jarrett Authors: Chilombo Olga Priscila Faith Ng’ona & Mubita Saasa

Telephone: +264 61 400 171 Email – Office@rdjconsulting.co.za RDJ Consulting Services CC is an advisory consultancy to the Energy, Water and Transport Sectors with a focus on sustainable operations and renewable energy. Visit our website www.rdjconsulting.co.za for more information.

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**Please see last page for full details

Energy & Sustainability News & Analysis

Country Brief – NAMIBIA

October 2017

Economic growth at a glance Mining continues its contribution to the economy2 The Minister of Mines and Energy stated at the recent International Uranium Conference in Swakopmund that government received some N$3.2 billion in corporate taxes and royalties from the mining sector in 2016. The Husab, Langer Heinrich and Rössing uranium mines are all located in the Erongo Region. Namibia is ranked as the fifth largest producer of uranium in the world. According to the Namibia Uranium Institute, 75% of Namibia's mining is done in national parks.

Local bank joins digital tax assistance wave3 Given the looming income tax deadline at the end of September 2017, Standard Bank has decided to assist private banking clients to complete their income tax returns efficiently and correctly through a digital system called TaxTim. TaxTim, is a digital tax assistant which helps taxpayers complete and file their tax return quickly, easily and correctly online. It is provided free of charge to Standard Bank’s Private Clients.

Statistical update - Namibia Statistics Agency 20174 POPULATION 2017 population estimated to be around 2.36 million people. The Khomas Region still has the largest population at roughly 431,000, followed by the Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshikoto, Oshana and Kavango East and West regions. Their current populations range between 250,000 to 195,000 inhabitants. INFLATION Annual inflation has been declining since January 2017. The major contributing factors for our inflation have been the categories of housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels; hotels, cafes and restaurants; food and non-alcoholic beverages; as well as education and transport. TRADE The trade statistics as released in 2017 show that Namibian exports stood at N$13.9 billion whilst Namibia imported goods worth N$ 20.1 billion. South Africa still remains the biggest trade partner, dominating both the import and export markets. In terms of exports, Switzerland, Botswana, Spain, and Belgium ranked behind South Africa. The main export commodities were diamonds, copper ores, fish, copper cathodes, and live animals. In terms of imports South Africa remains the top source, followed by Botswana, Bulgaria, Zambia, and China. The top commodities imported were mineral fuels and oils, vehicles, boilers, diamonds, and electrical machinery and equipment. ECONOMY In terms of the economy, it recorded a contraction of 1.7 percent for both the first and second

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https://www.namibiansun.com/news/mining-drives-the-economy/ https://economist.com.na/28701/markets/local-bank-avails-online-digital-tax-assistance-platform/ 4 https://www.newera.com.na/2017/09/25/weekly-column-namibia-statistics-agency-2017-statisticalupdate/ 3

Country Brief – NAMIBIA

October 2017

quarters of 2017 as reported by the Bank of Namibia. The constructions sector’s decline is due to a drop in real value of government construction which, on a year to year basis, dropped by a significant 83.3 percent as compared to a growth of 6.1 percent in the second quarter of 2016. However, other sectors such as agriculture and forestry, mining, quarrying and manufacturing posted stronger growth in real value added.

A Glimpse at the Future Wireless charging is now a reality5 A number of devices are now using wireless charging systems. This development into commercial application will have an effect on how energy is used and delivered in Namibia in the future. A clear example of commercial application and the influence of wireless charging as a game changer is seen with the battery case manufacturer, mophie6, introducing a wireless charging base, which will work with the recently launched new line of Apple phones that emerged in September 2017.

App development gets a boost7 A competition in support of Standard Bank’s Buy-A-Brick campaign being run in collaboration with the Namibia Business Innovation Institute seeks to stimulate innovativeness and creativity amongst software developers and future entrepreneurs through the development of a dedicated mobile application to promote the fundraising campaign. The Hackathon will see various participants competing to build mobile applications for the initiative to aid in its fundraising efforts. Team work is encouraged as the development of the mobile or web application, name and application can be a more rewarding and successful experience if shared with others.

Figure 1 Charge while you drive - https://www.fleetcarma.com

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https://economist.com.na/28301/technology/wireless-charging-introduced-for-iphones-new-line-ofphones/ 6 www.mophie.com 7 https://economist.com.na/29097/technology/app-developers-invited-to-participate-in-hackathon-thisweekend/

Country Brief â&#x20AC;&#x201C; NAMIBIA

October 2017

Oil & Gas Liquid Fuels The Ministry of Mines and Energy announced that the prices of petrol and diesel pumps remain unchanged on 28th September.8 Petrol (95 Octane) - N$ 10.80 /L Diesel (500 PPM) - N$ 10.63 / L Diesel (50 PPM) - N$ 10.68 / L Namibia has no refinery capacity to-date Namibia currently ranks 14th in the Fraser Institute Global Petroleum Survey, 2016 of small reserve holders, placing Namibia 5 places ahead of South Africa. www.fraserinstitute.org

Oil rises on signs of tighter market9 Oil prices edged up 11th October 2017, rising for a third day, on signs that markets are gradually tightening after years of oversupply, although the outlook for 2018 remained less certain. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were trading at US$51,06 per barrel at 0523 GMT, up 14 cents, or 0,3%, from their last settlement. Prices rose 2% the day before to back above US$50 a barrel.

South Africa plans to use gas for its energy mix10 South Africa has set itself the vision to enter the global gas market and promote the development of a gas market, not only locally, but also in the southern African region. As gas is becoming the fastestgrowing fossil fuel, it is estimated that liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply will increase by 50% over the next five years. Over the next 20 years, LNG will catch up with oil and coal, and emerge as the main hydrocarbon component of a more sustainable mix to power the world's economy. South Africa has undertaken an extensive review of all legislation and regulation impacting on and required for the effective development of a gas industry in the country. A draft gas amendment bill will be tabled in cabinet by the end of this year. The amendments largely relate to a licensing framework for gas infrastructure, and mandating the Minister of Energy to make determinations regarding the required infrastructure.

Nigeria stocks 2 billion litres of petrol for year-end use11 The Nigerian government has said, it had stocked over 2 billion litres of petrol to ensure hitch-free end-of-year movements for motorists. Consumers that normally do so would have no need to hoard highly inflammable products in jerrycans, among others, which might pose safety challenges to them.

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http://www.mme.gov.na/files/publications/ac8_Fuel_Media_Release_October_2017.pdf https://www.namibian.com.na/60328/read/Oil-rises-on-signs-of-tighter-market 10 https://www.namibian.com.na/60330/read/South-Africa-turns-to-gas-for-energy-mix 11 https://www.namibian.com.na/60582/read/Nigeria-stocks-2b-litres-of-petrol-for-year-end-use 9

Country Brief – NAMIBIA

October 2017

Nigeria is Africa's largest net exporter of crude oil, but as a result of the poor state of its three refineries, the country had to rely on the massive importation of refined petroleum products to meet its local demand.

Namcor to present revised fuel import business case12 A revised strategy will in the opinion of the Namibia Petroleum Corporation help prevent huge losses incurred when fuel is imported. The Namibia Petroleum Corporation has reworked elements of its business case to have 50% of its fuel import mandate reinstated. The new fuel storage facility at Walvis Bay will increase Namibia's current storage capacity.

Uranium Maiden mineral resource estimate at Tumas 3 impressive – Deep Yellow13 Prospective Australian uranium producer, Deep Yellow Limited (DYL) announced in a report that its highly encouraging maiden mineral resource estimate (MRE) for the Tumas 3 discovery which, at a 200ppm eU3O8 cut-off, comprises 23.5Mlb inferred mineral resources at a grade of 382ppm eU3O8. This deposit occurs on EPL3496, held by the Deep Yellow wholly-owned subsidiary Reptile Uranium Namibia.

https://www.namibiansun.com/news/namcor-to-present-revised-fuel-import-business-case/ https://economist.com.na/28840/mining-energy/maiden-mineral-resource-estimate-at-tumas-3impressive-deep-yellow/ 13

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Figure 2 EPL Map - http://deepyellow.com.au/location-maps/

Country Brief – NAMIBIA

October 2017

Electricity Regional energy development14 Southern Africa is endowed with a wealth of energy resources that include solar, hydro, wind and coal, yet the region continues to be affected by electricity shortages. The region plans to commission more than 7,000 megawatts (MW) of new generation capacity in 2017, a development that is expected to strengthen energy security. With regard to renewable energy, SADC aims to achieve a renewable energy mix in the regional grid of at least 32% by 2020 and 35% by 2030. According to the African Development Bank (AfDB), Southern Africa is a potential “gold mine” for renewable energy due to the abundant solar and wind resources that are now hugely sought after by international investors in their quest for clean energy. The SADC region is also hugely endowed with watercourses such as the Congo and Zambezi, with the Inga Dam situated on the Congo River having the potential to produce about 40,000MW of electricity, according to SAPP. With respect to investment in new energy projects, the region needs about US$114 billion to US$233 billion between 2012 and 2027 to develop additional electricity generation capacity, according to the Energy Sector Plan of the SADC Regional Infrastructure Development Master Plan. Priority power generation projects included the US$4 billion Batoka Gorge Hydro Electric Scheme being jointly promoted by Zambia and Zimbabwe and involving construction of two underground power caverns – one on the north side of the Zambezi River between the two countries and another on the south side. Each of the generation plants will have installed generation capacity of 1,200MW for a combined 2,400MW. Another priority power generation project is the Songwe River Basin Development Programme, a transboundary initiative involving Malawi and the United Republic of Tanzania. The project, estimated to cost US$760 million, involves building a multipurpose dam to collect water for a 320megawatt hydro powerhouse, provision of water for an irrigation scheme covering about 3,000 hectares in each country, and control floods in the densely populated lower part of the basin.

https://economist.com.na/29325/special-focus/sadc-partners-strategize-on-regional-energy-development/

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Among the power transmission projects, the Angola-Namibia Interconnector, the MozambiqueMalawi Interconnector and the Zambia-Tanzania-Kenya (ZTK) Power Interconnector feature prominently. The three interconnectors are important in that they will connect the power networks of three non-operating members of the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) – Angola, Malawi and Tanzania – to the regional grid. The ZTK will not only link Tanzania to the SAPP grid, but also connect

Other generation projects such as the Lesotho Highlands Phase II Hydropower Scheme and five solar photovoltaic projects are being developed by the Swaziland Electricity Company. The proposed Lesotho Highlands Phase II Hydropower Scheme is being jointly developed by Lesotho and South Africa at an estimated cost of US$1.8 billion and will involve the development of a hydropower project that is expected to provide between 1,000 and 1,200MW of electricity to Lesotho and the rest of the region. Feasibility studies for the project have been completed but these need to be supplemented by ongoing market studies and power purchase agreement option studies that are due to be completed by the end of 2017.

Country Brief – NAMIBIA

October 2017

the Eastern African Power Pool to SAPP, allowing countries in eastern Africa to share surplus electricity with those in southern Africa.

Arandis Power?15 Arandis Power is still waiting on the outcome of a decision from NamPower for the procurement of electricity. The negotiations on the power plant were temporarily suspended by NamPower in June 2014, pending the latter's completion of its tender for another 250MW power station in Walvis Bay. However, in 2015, talks between NamPower and Arandis Power. According to Arandis Power, it has spent approximately N$40 million conducting various studies and developmental aspects including environmental impact assessments on the envisaged power facility.

Omusati education circuits without electricity?16 A N$900 million electricity debt the Omusati Education Directorate owes the Northern Electricity Distributors (Nored) had forced the distributor to cut-off power at six of the operating education circuit offices in the region. The Tsandi, Ruacana, Okalongo, Etayi, Ogongo, Okahao were affected. The other four circuits are still connected, though they are in debt.

Leonardville cut off after telecoms tower collapsed17 A Tower collapse affected services in Leonardville town and district following the collapse of the town’s communications tower. The tower, owned by MTC but shared by Telecom Namibia, collapsed presumably when one of its anchor cables snapped. It knocked out the voice and internet services for all in the area. The incident is said to have occurred while an MTC technical team was working on the tower’s guy ropes.

CENORED High power tariffs questioned18

https://www.namibiansun.com/news/arandis-power-remains-patient/ https://www.newera.com.na/2017/10/03/omusati-education-circuits-without-electricity/ 17 https://economist.com.na/29019/technology/leonardville-cut-off-after-telecomms-tower-collapsed/ 18 https://www.namibiansun.com/news/high-power-tariffs-questioned/ 16

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The Central North Regional Electricity Distributor (Cenored) increased its electricity tariffs by more than 6% on 1 July. Cenored distributes electricity to Omaheke, Otjozondjupa, Kunene, and parts of the Oshikoto Region.

Country Brief – NAMIBIA

October 2017

Approved Electricity Tariffs (2017) Area Provider

Tariff Schedule (Web Link)

CENORED

http://www.ecb.org.na/images/docs/Tariffs/2018/CENORED_2017.pdf

City of Windhoek Erongo RED

http://www.ecb.org.na/images/docs/Tariffs/2018/COW_2017.pdf http://www.ecb.org.na/images/docs/Tariffs/2018/Erongo_RED_2017.pdf

Keetmanshoop http://www.ecb.org.na/images/docs/Tariffs/2018/Keetmanshoop_2017.pdf Mariental

http://www.ecb.org.na/images/docs/Tariffs/2018/Mariental_2017.pdf

Nampower

http://www.ecb.org.na/images/docs/Tariffs/2018/NamPower_2017.pdf

NamPower Transmission NamPower TOU

http://www.ecb.org.na/images/docs/Tariffs/2018/NamPower_Transmission_2017.pdf

NORED

http://www.ecb.org.na/images/docs/Tariffs/2018/Nored_2017.pdf

OPE

http://www.ecb.org.na/images/docs/Tariffs/2018/OPE_2017.pdf

Regenstein

http://www.ecb.org.na/images/docs/Tariffs/2018/Regenstein_2017.pdf

SunGate

http://www.ecb.org.na/images/docs/Tariffs/2018/SunGate_2017.pdf

http://www.ecb.org.na/images/docs/Tariffs/2018/NP_TOU_TARIFFS_2017.pdf

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The original can be found at http://www.ecb.org.na//images/docs/Tariffs/documents/Net_Metering_Avoided_Cost_1617.pdf

Net Metering

Country Brief – NAMIBIA

October 2017

Renewable Energy Solar Lamps make a difference19 One hundred Grade 10 and 12 learners from the One Nation informal settlement who attend Augustineum Secondary school recently received a solar lamp to make sure they can study in the evening for the last few remaining subjects in this year’s (2017) national examinations. The Lamps were provided courtesy of FNB Foundation.

Cobalt search in Opuwo driven by energy storage demand20 Increase in electric vehicle production across the globe, as well as renewable storage, and smartphones, Australian-listed exploration firm, Celsius Resources is making inroads in Namibia in search of cobalt, which is to be used in the manufacturing of cobalt-based, lithium ion batteries. The Opuwo Cobalt Project is an advanced exploration project with intensive surface exploration already undertaken by previous explorers. The project is located in the central part of the Kunene Region west of Opuwo, some 800 kilometres from Windhoek and 750 kilometres from the port of Walvis Bay.

19 20

https://economist.com.na/29574/extra/a-shining-light-so-that-they-always-know-where-they-are/ https://economist.com.na/28194/mining-energy/renewable-revolution-drives-cobalt-search-in-opuwo/

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Currently across the globe, cobalt’s role in the renewables revolution is robust and demand projections have seen price increase to US$61,500/tonne, with further upside expected, he added. Cobalt is also widely used for super-alloys in turbines, space vehicles, rocket engines and power plants.

Country Brief – NAMIBIA

October 2017

Rural women go for solar electrification training in India21 Four Namibian women are in India for a six-month training programme on solar electrification and rainwater harvesting. This was made possible by the Omaheke Community Development Foundation (OCDF), who partnered the Barefoot College in India. The women are from Eiseb Block, Otjombinde constituency in Omaheke; and Utuseb, Dorob constituency in the Erongo region. They are Desere Morkel (35), Unogovandu Shalambo (25), Caroline Swartbooi (50) and Fillemine Kuhanga (28).

Pilot wind power plant at Lüderitz transferred to local authority22 An informal settlement on the outskirts of Lüderitz now receives wind power following the transfer of a demonstration plat with three wind turbines that together have a rated capacity of just over 10 kW. The pilot plant is a project of the University of Namibia, first started in 2012 and operated by the university’s Science and Technology division. It was initially sponsored by the Government of Finland. It now provides power to the Benguela informal settlement. The University said the demonstration plant provided the baseline information on the structure of investment as well as implementation capacities required in the process of establishing more renewable energy sources throughout the country. The experience learnt from this demonstration will be used to replicate the erection of similar wind energy sources nation-wide.

Foreign Expert urges Namibia to go 100pct renewable energy 23 Namibia, which has one of the best potential renewable energy sources in the world, has been urged to adapt and apply a recent study and test case done in Tanzania. In that study, research showed that if 100 percent renewable energy was deployed, Tanzania could provide access to inexpensive, reliable energy for all its citizens, while increasing living standards to the level of industrialised countries by 2050. The Tanzanian study was conducted by the Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) of the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Climate Action Network Tanzania (CAN Tanzania), Bread for the World and the World Future Council (WFC). The study also revealed that generating electricity from renewable sources is about 30 percent cheaper than from fossil resources.

https://economist.com.na/28588/mining-energy/pilot-wind-power-plant-at-luderitz-transferred-to-localauthority/ 23 http://www.observer.com.na/index.php/business/item/8906-expert-urges-namibia-to-go-100pctrenewable-energy

Energy & Sustainability News & Analysis

https://www.namibian.com.na/59409/read/Rural-women-go-for-solar-electrification-training-in-India

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Country Brief – NAMIBIA

October 2017

Water

Water demand in Namibia is met via surface and artesian sources.

Water availability24 The overall Dam capacities had been recorded at 414.041 million cubic metres (Mm3) during May 2017. However, such levels have been declining since then, down to 337.587 Mm3 in October 201725.

Desalination talks stalled26 While the government has expressed an interest in Areva's desalination plant north of Swakopmund, it never formally made an offer for the plant. An option Areva would look into would be for longterm water provision between NamWater and government as public agents.

Water conservation under spotlight at high level talks27 With studies having shown that more rainwater is stored underground on farms with bush thinning compared to farms with none, and with a poor grazing conditions, the challenges now are how Namibian producers can use these advantages and how international consumers can get the assurance that the meat bought at a bonus is produced in the right manner.

City warns Windhoek water consumption jumped due to hot weather28 Last week, the city recorded over 95% more water usage according to the internal weekly water watch, which is designed as a regular water monitoring programme to inform municipal officials about the water consumption rate.

Desalinated water for Bethanie, Grünau29 The communities in Bethanie and Grünau will benefit from an Adaptation Funded project awarded through the Desert Research Foundation of Namibia (DRFN) and to be implemented by NamWater. These two project sites, both located in the //Karas Region, have been selected for two pilot rural desalination plants using renewable power and membrane technology in the country. The Adaptation Fund, a global organisation working on projects to combat climate change, recently approved funding of about N$68 million for Namibia's proposal of the four-year project. This project proposes to pilot the treatment of poor quality local groundwater to a level that complies with the

https://www.namwater.com.na/index.php?option=com_jumi&view=application&fileid=6&Itemid=109 Actual data as reported by NamWater (October 16, 2017 – www.namwater.com.na) 26 https://www.namibiansun.com/news/desalination-talks-stalled/ 27 https://www.newera.com.na/2017/09/26/water-conservation-under-spotlight-at-high-level-talks/ 28 https://economist.com.na/28957/extra/windhoek-residents-consuming-a-lot-of-water/ 29 https://www.namibiansun.com/news/fresh-water-for-bethanie-grnau/

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Country Brief – NAMIBIA

October 2017

national standards for potable water, using hybrid renewable energy to power the treatment process. It is intended that the treatment will be a desalination process based on reverse osmosis (RO) and that electricity generation will be based on a combination of solar and wind energy.

Omuthiya to pump toxic water from wells30 The Omuthiya Town Council has begun pumping toxic water from five wells at Omainda village as the water was polluted with mosquito chemicals and unfit for human consumption. Over the past few weeks people were left without water as they depended on the wells as their only source of water, including for their animals.

Water for livestock to dry up soon in northern regions31 As a result of no rainfall over the past few months, residents in the villages of Oshikunde, Okongo, Omundaungilo and Epembe now solely depend on a borehole for water. There are pipelines in some of these areas, however there is insufficient pressure to pump water to the people in need, hence an appeal to the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry to render a hand to the affected communities was made.

Otsalindi residents excavate earth dam32 Villagers in Otamanzi Constituency have begun to construct an earth dam to harvest water for both human and livestock consumption. They want to have the earth dam ready to catch water during the coming rain season. Given the poor quality of the underground water in Otamanzi Constituency, the ministry provides water for human consumption to villages through the Tsandi South pipeline.

New amenities in Sikondo from the benefits of tourism33 A borehole with a water pump is installed, was drilled and equipped with funding that came from the Hakusembe Community Development Fund. Hakusembe River Lodge, situated some 16 kilometres upstream from the Kavango East administrative capital, Rundu, is one of the lodges operated by the Gondwana Collection.

Water research elevated to national priority for both Namibia and South Africa34 In a wide-ranging agreement, two national research institutions have paved the way for close collaboration in the area of water research and technology. The National Commission on Research, Science and Technology announced it has signed an agreement with the Water Research Commission of South Africa to enhance collaboration to find workable solutions for both Namibia’s and South Africa’s recurring water problems and water shortages. The agreement was entered into at a separate event on the flanks of the 3rd biennial symposium hosted by South Africa’s Water Research Commission.

https://www.newera.com.na/2017/10/25/omuthiya-to-pump-toxic-water-from-wells/ https://www.newera.com.na/2017/09/19/water-for-livestock-to-dry-up-soon-in-northern-regions/ 32 https://www.newera.com.na/2017/10/10/otsalindi-residents-excavate-earth-dam/ 33 https://economist.com.na/28518/tourism/new-amenities-in-sikondo-show-villagers-the-benefits-oftourism/ 34 https://economist.com.na/28789/environment/water-research-elevated-to-national-priority-for-bothnamibia-and-south-africa/

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Country Brief – NAMIBIA

October 2017

Telecommunications Minister calls for youth involvement in the ICT industry35 The Minister of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Tjekero Tweya said that corporate companies and other ICT companies must start opening up their business models for broader shareholding giving young people access to ICT. Tweya said this at the opening of the 4th ICT Summit, which ran under the theme ‘Leveraging ICT to unlock economic opportunities for an inclusive society’. The minister said that elevating the youth in strategic roles of the sector ICT matters will see industrial revolution both in the sector and the country as a whole.

The Environment Africa and eWaste36 eWaste may contain information such as databases, personal data, private information, passwords, application IDs, links to secure websites and information, financial data, intellectual property, healthcare information and data on friends and relatives. Losing intellectual property information could result in severe revenue damage. “Companies need to decommission IT devices and their contents effectively. A proper policy includes the need to control the data that is stored on the IT equipment, its disposition, removal, and transfer.” 37

E-waste could become a nuisance in Africa38 It is estimated that in Namibia the Windhoek area alone produces approximately 300 tons of electronic waste every year, while the national electronic waste amounts to between 1,500 and 2,000 tons per annum. Electronic waste, or e-waste, is described as discarded electrical or electronic devices. According to United Nations statistics, the global community produces a total of 50 million tons of electronic and electrical waste every year – if filled into trucks it would reach halfway around the globe.

Marine pollution levy coming39 THE introduction of a pollution levy payable by companies operating in Namibia's coastal waters are among the priorities of the newly established National Marine Pollution Contingency Plan (NMPCP) management committee. The NMPCP was approved by Cabinet in April and is an update of the 2007 National Oil Spill Contingency Plan. Funding of the 2007 plan was considered unsustainable and relied heavily on the

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https://economist.com.na/29213/technology/minister-calls-for-youth-involvement-in-the-ict-industry/ https://economist.com.na/28542/technology/africa-becoming-the-dumping-ground-for-ewaste/ 37 https://economist.com.na/28542/technology/africa-becoming-the-dumping-ground-for-ewaste/ 38 https://www.newera.com.na/2017/09/19/e-waste-a-nuisance-in-africa-environmental-expert/ 39 https://www.namibian.com.na/60798/read/Marine-pollution-levy-coming 36

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taxpayer. The new plan seeks a sustainable funding model by placing emphasis on potential polluters to fund Namibia's preparedness. The National Marine Pollution Contingency Plan (NMPCP) aims to streamline Namibia's marine pollution preparedness and responses in line with international conventions. Namibia is required to have in place mechanisms for managing marine pollution risks, especially oil spills from ships and drilling platforms in its waters. However, risks have evolved because of the growth and significance of the port of Walvis Bay as a maritime gateway to southern Africa.

Anti-poaching organisation gets financial boost for projects40 The Intelligence Support Against Poaching (ISAP) received N$200,000 from the First National Bank Foundation Trust in support of the day to day operational costs and contributes to past and current projects which ISAP is undertaking. The projects ISAP is undertaking are in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, as part of its anti-poaching and environmental objectives.

Rent-A-Drum scoops top award41 RENT-A-DRUM took the honours by scooping the Best-Established Company or Parastatal award at the second biannual Sustainable Development Awards ceremony in Windhoek. Rent-a-Drum Ltd was honoured for its innovative waste management and recycling programme and their collaboration with Ohorongo Cement on Namibia's first Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) Processing plant.

https://economist.com.na/29428/environment/anti-poaching-organisation-gets-financial-boost-forprojects/ 41 https://www.namibian.com.na/59774/read/Rent-A-Drum-scoops-top-award

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Over 90 entries from the Namibian business community, academia and youth entities were submitted for this year's awards, eclipsing the previous number of 14 in 2015 by a large margin.

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The Young Achievers Empowerment project won the Youth Action for Sustainable Development award for their region-wide programme.

Invader Bush Study reveals vast economic potential within Otjozondjupa42 Windhoek-Sixty percent (more than 6.3 million hectares) of the bush-encroached area in Otjozondjupa region could be targeted for bush control, resulting in an overall reduction of 38.5 percent in bush density across the region and reducing the density of dominant encroacher species by 90 percent without touching non-encroacher species.

https://www.newera.com.na/2017/10/03/study-reveals-vast-economic-potential-within-otjozondjupa/

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Acacia mellifera and Terminalia cericea are the dominant encroacher species in this region. The highest recorded density was over 25 000 bushes per hectare in the northeast of the region. It affects multiple ecosystems within Otjozondjupa, including the Highland, Acacia Savannah, Northern Kalahari Savannah, Karstveld, Dry Kalahari Woodlands, and small parts of the Western Highlands. It also affects multiple land uses, particularly commercial and communal agriculture and tourism.

Country Brief – NAMIBIA

October 2017

Financing Climate centre planned for Mashare43 Mashare Agricultural Development Institute will soon be transformed into a Climate Resilient Agriculture Centre of Excellence as one of the activities that will contribute to attaining a long-term positive impact in the agricultural sector. It is part of two projects that Namibia for which funding has been secured through the Environmental Investment Fund (EIF), which Namibia successfully capitalised on through its accreditation by accessing close to N$300 million in grant funding from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) towards local sustainable development projects. This follows the 14th meeting of the GCF that took place in South Korea from October 12 to 14, where two of Namibia’s project proposals in conservation agriculture and community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) were approved.

Financial Info Hub established44 The Financial Literacy Initiative (FLI) launched their Info Hub online database on Wednesday with the support of the Deutsche Gesellschaft Fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)GmbH on behalf of the German government. The Info Hub comprises of all available financing instruments for enterprises in the country.

Rural water treatment project gets N$60 million injection from the Adaptation Fund45 The Adaptation Fund (AF) approved N$60 million for a four-year project which will pilot and utilise renewable power and membrane technology at the Grünau settlement and the Bethanie village, located south of the country. The project aims to assist the treatment of poor quality local groundwater to a level that complies with the national standards for drinking water through the use of reverse osmosis.

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https://www.newera.com.na/2016/10/26/climate-centre-planned-for-mashare/ https://economist.com.na/28580/general-news/info-hub-established-to-make-financial-support-moreaccessible/ 45 https://economist.com.na/29580/environment/rural-water-treatment-project-gets-n60-million-injectionfrom-the-adaptation-fund/ 44

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October 2017

Tenders NamWater

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Figure 3https://www.namwater.com.na/index.php?option=com_jumi&view=application&fileid=4&Itemid=119

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October 2017

Careers and Jobs ErongoRED

SOURCE: http://www.erongored.com/vacancies/

Erongo Regional Electricity Distributor (PTY) Ltd, commonly known as Erongo RED is mandated to distribute and supply electricity in Erongo region. We are proud to announce that Erongo RED is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants from designated groups as defined in the Affirmative Action (Employment) Act, 1998 (Act 29 of 1998) are encouraged to apply. Electrician: Maintenance Business Unit: Paterson Grade: Duty Station:

Network Operations and Maintenance C3 Henties Bay View More & Apply

Superintendent: Project Management Business Unit: Network Engineering Paterson Grade: D1 Duty Station: Walvis Bay

View More & Apply

Manager: Credit and Risk Management Business Unit: Paterson Grade: Duty Station:

Finance and Administration D3 Walvis Bay View More & Apply

Assistant Engineer: Specifications and Renewable Energy Business Unit: Network Engineering Paterson Grade: D1 Duty Station: Walvis Bay View More & Apply Superintendent: Operations Business Unit: Network Operations and Maintenance Paterson Grade: D1 Duty Station: Walvis Bay View More & Apply Superintendent: Control Centre Business Unit: Network Operations and Maintenance Paterson Grade: D1 Duty Station: Walvis Bay View More & Apply

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Assistant Electrician (Utility Person): Maintenance Business Unit: Network Operations and Maintenance Paterson Grade: B4 Duty Station: 1x Walvis Bay, 1x Swakopmund View More & Apply

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October 2017

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