Informanté

28/03/2025

Omusati records 1,443 malaria cases in three months

Placido Hilukilwa

THE Health Director of the Omusati Region, Alfons Amoomo, is advising community members to take precautionary measures to prevent malaria.

This follows after more than 1,400 cases of malaria were reported in the region since January.

According to Amoomo, a total of 1,443 malaria cases were reported between 1 January and 25 March.

Of these, there were 195 hospital admissions and four deaths.

Last week alone (17 to 23 March), the region recorded 201 malaria cases and 34 hospital admissions. No deaths were recorded.

Amoomo is advising members of the public to take preventive measures such as using mosquito repellent; wearing long pants and long-sleeved clothing; closing doors and windows early before sunset; sleeping under treated mosquito nets; allowing their houses to be sprayed with insecticide for malaria; and emptying any containers that can collect water, such as flower pots, tyres, and buckets.

He also advises community members to promptly seek medical treatment if experiencing symptoms such as fever, headache, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, muscle or joint pain, fatigue, and cough.

Picture for illustrative purposes only.

28/03/2025

Etosha Fishing Factory workers protest for fair fish quota allocation and job security

Staff Reporter

WORKERS of the Etosha Fishing Factory have protested outside the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, declaring that the ministry's allocation of pilchards and horse mackerel for the factory is insufficient to sustain operations and has left many of the factory’s workers without consistent employment and decent pay.

“For more than eight years, the government has put a moratorium or put on hold to catch Pilchard fish by the fishing industry and the Ministry of Fisheries has only allocated small amounts of Horse Mackerel, which is not enough to sustain the factory,” the workers’ petition reads.

The workers, represented by the Namibia Seaman and Allied Workers Union (NASAWU), revealed that while the Etosha Fishing Factory has been in operation for the past eight years, it was forced to begin importing pilchards from Morocco in 2022 for processing and canning. However, these imports also ceased due to high costs, further affecting the working hours and pay of the workers.

“The workers of Etosha Fishing have only worked for three months last year and did not work at all this year. Currently, the workers are only receiving four and a half hours when they are at home without work. The salary that we receive is not enough to sustain us and it is against the Namibian Constitution, which requires the Government to promote decent jobs. The company can only sustain decent jobs if we receive necessary support from the Ministry for the Company to continue with operations,” the petition continues.

The workers have emphasised the need for immediate action, pointing out that the pelagic fish industry operates seasonally, with the season running from April to October.

“It is vital to ensure that the 420 current employment positions are secured by allocating sufficient pilchards and horse mackerel quota for canning purposes,” the petition pleads.

NASAWU representatives explained that despite repeated attempts to engage with the ministry, their efforts have been unsuccessful, as the ministry has remained unresponsive. The petition therefore called for an urgent meeting with the ministry to assist in this matter.

“We request an urgent meeting between our Union representative, the Namibia Seaman and Allied Workers Union, the company management and the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Hon. Minister Dr Mac Albert Hengari, as soon as possible to discuss and find a solution to all issues that affect us,” the petition added.

28/03/2025

Man drowns in water pan

Maria David

A 46-YEAR-OLD man's lifeless body was discovered in a water pan at Onekwaya West Village in the Ongha district.

Ohangwena Crime Investigation Coordinator, Deputy Commissioner Melanie Mbuuru, said the discovery was made around 06:00 on Wednesday.

According to Mbuuru, the deceased’s body was found floating on the water by neighbours who had gone to fetch water at the nearby pan.

She indicated that no foul play is suspected, and his body was taken to Engela State Mortuary pending a postmortem examination.

28/03/2025

28/03/2025

28/03/2025

Rainfall persists in multiple places, more showers expected in the north-west and east

Staff Reporter

WHILE several western, central, and southern regions are still experiencing frequent rainfall, both the intensity and extent of these showers have decreased compared to last week and earlier this week.

The Erongo Region, in particular, has continued to receive rain, although the intensity has decreased. Nevertheless, the recent showers have revitalised the landscape in many parts of the region, giving it a more picturesque appearance. Farm Ombu, located in the heart of the Erongo Mountains, along with Omaruru and the surrounding areas, are among those benefiting from the renewed greenery.

Other areas beyond the Erongo Region have also continued to receive showers, with visible effects not only in the towns but also along the rivers.

For instance, while parts of the south, especially the Hardap Region’s Kalkrand and surrounding areas, faced the brunt of the storms earlier this week, the recent rainfall has also continued to breathe new life into the south’s rivers, such as the Löwen River and the Fish River.

The same goes for the Kunene Region, where recent rainfall has caused flooding and significant disruption in places such as Okangwati and Opuwo. However, the impact of the region’s heavy rainfall can also be seen in its rivers, such as the Kunene River, which has seen a dramatic rise in the past week—going from a flow of 341.20 cubic metres per second (m³/s) on Wednesday, 19 March 2025, to 815.40 m³/s on Wednesday, 26 March 2025.

However, while the worst storms may have subsided in most parts of the country, the Kunene Region is still expected to see more showers on Friday. This was confirmed by Namibia Meteorological Services, which predicted that Friday’s storms will primarily affect the north-western and eastern regions. Residents of the Kunene and Omaheke regions are advised to remain vigilant.



RECENT RAINS: Photos and videos showing impact of recent light to heavy rain in various places in the country. Photos and videos: Facebook (Ombu Farm; Erongo Rocks; Anika Van Zyl Mostert; Flokman Flokkie Ockhuizen; NamPower) and contributed.

28/03/2025

NamPower opens floodgate (flapgate) at Ruacana Hydropower Station

Staff Reporter

THE Namibia Power Corporation (NamPower) has opened the floodgate (flapgate) at the Ruacana Hydropower Station to manage the increased water volume following recent rainfall.

“As of Monday, 24 March 2025, the station began discharging approximately 800 cubic metres per second (800,000 litres per second) into the Kunene River. This has resulted in a spectacular display at the iconic Ruacana Falls, drawing awe from locals and visitors alike,” NamPower explained.

NamPower has warned communities downstream of Ruacana to remain alert, as the increased river flows are expected to continue for at least two more weeks.

“The last time the Kunene River experienced such high volumes was in 2020,” NamPower added.

This notable rise in the river's water level is attributed not only to recent rainfall in Namibia but also to rainfall in southern Angola. According to the Hydrological Services of Namibia, the flow at the Kunene River at Ruacana reached 815.4 cubic metres per second (m³/s) on Wednesday morning, an increase from the 711.3 m³/s recorded on Tuesday morning.



BREATHTAKING: The iconic Ruacana Falls. Photos and videos: NamPower.

28/03/2025

Two die in motor vehicle accident near Uis

Staff Reporter

TWO people passed away in a car accident near Uis after an unlicensed driver lost control of the vehicle they were travelling in.

According to Senior Inspector Judith Shomongula of the Erongo Police, the culpable homicide incident happened on Wednesday, 26 March 2025, at about 13:36, two kilometres from Uis to Omaruru on the gravel road.

"The unlicensed driver, Andreas Tjai-Tjai Mau, 24 years old, was driving a metallic gold Nissan NP200 pickup with registration number N9008 OH from Omaruru towards Uis. He lost control of the vehicle in a ditch, causing it to swerve as he was entering a curve and overturn, resulting in serious injuries to himself, the instant death of one passenger, and injuries to eight other passengers in the vehicle," Shomongula said.

The deceased were identified as Caroline Tanises, a 27-year-old Namibian female, who passed away instantly at the scene, and Gift Tourob, a 33-year-old Namibian male, who passed away at Omaruru State Hospital.

Six passengers, including the driver, sustained serious injuries. Three were transferred to Windhoek, while three remain in Omaruru State Hospital. Two passengers sustained minor injuries and are receiving treatment at Omaruru State Hospital.

All next of kin have been informed, and police investigations continue.

Photo: West Coast Safety Initiative - Namibia

27/03/2025

Ondangwa addresses housing backlog

Maria David

THE Ondangwa Town Council is facing a significant and growing housing backlog, with waiting lists currently standing at over 8,100 for both formal and informal areas.

Town spokesperson Petrina Sh*talangaho-Mutikisha said that currently, the formal housing waiting list stands at 3,068 applicants, while the informal land application list has surged to 5,098.

“Our informal settlement areas are in demand because of the essential services provided by the council, including water, electricity, and access roads,” she said.

She added that they acknowledge the increasing demand for informal land allocation, and in an effort to tackle this pressing issue, the council has outlined strategic targets within its current plan, which extends to the 2027/28 financial year.

Sh*talangaho-Mutikisha explained that the Ondangwa Town Council aims to address the growing housing backlog and provide much-needed shelter and security for its residents.

Thus, she indicated that the council is actively working on establishing new townships, with extensions 30 and 36 already planned to create 177 and 501 plots, respectively.

“Significant attention is being paid to upgrading existing informal settlements. The Okangwena area, encompassing Okangwena Proper, Extension 1, and Extension 2, is a priority, with plans to formalize 135, 243, and 139 residential plots, respectively,” she said.

She added that collaboration with the National Housing Enterprise (NHE) remains a crucial component of the council's strategy to increase housing delivery.

Moreover, Sh*talangaho-Mutikisha said that they are currently in talks to partner with private developers to ensure they address the issue of the housing backlog.

“A partnership with Development Workshop (DW) is underway in the Omakango Proper area, focusing on formalizing existing structures and creating a new extension specifically for low-income earners, which is expected to create 268 residential plots,” she added.

She said that preparations, including an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), are currently underway for the project.

Furthermore, the Ondangwa Town Council is committed to servicing the Omashaka Extension 1, which will provide 260 ervens, and Epya, with an additional 100 ervens.

PICTURED: Ondangwa Town Council spokesperson, Petrina Sh*talangaho-Mutikisha. Photo: File

27/03/2025

Amupanda failed to provide evidence in Redline case – Ueitele

Staff Reporter

HIGH Court judge, Shafimana Ueitele, has ruled that Affirmative Repositioning (AR) political party President Job Amupanda failed to produce evidence which showed that the Veterinary Cordon Fence (VCF) was unlawfully enacted and violated the constitutional rights of those north of the cordon fence, known as the redline, thereby dismissing his case.

The defendants in the matter, which include, among others, the Minister of Water, Agriculture, and Land Reform, the government’s Attorney General, as well as an official from the Directorate of Veterinary Services, Hango Nambinga, at the end of Amupanda presenting his case in the matter, moved for an absolution from instance application, arguing that Amupanda did not present a prima facie case (concrete evidence), and that the matter be struck from the roll without the defendants calling upon witnesses to defend the case.

“The first prayer that Mr Amupanda seeks is an order ‘declaring that the er****on of The Veterinary Cordon Fence (Red Line) has not been carried out in terms of any law.’ It is clear that if there is a law that makes provision for erecting a Veterinary Cordon Fence, or sanctions the er****on of such a fence, then no court will find for Mr Amupanda. In cross-examination, counsel for the first to fourth defendants put to Mr Amupanda that the clear legal position is that the Veterinary Cordon Fence has been authorised by a statutory scheme comprising the Animal Diseases and Parasites Act, 1956, and the Animal Diseases and Parasites Ordinance of 1959,” Judge Ueitele said.

He added that each of these enactments specifically authorises the er****on of a fence for the purposes of protecting against animal disease.

“I, therefore, agree with counsels for the defendants who contend that by virtue of the well-established presumption of regularity, it must be presumed – until proof to the contrary is adduced – that the act of erecting the Veterinary Cordon Fence had been done duly and lawfully. I, thus, find that Mr Amupanda has failed to place sufficient evidence before court that holds the possibility of a finding that there is no law that sanctions the er****on of the Veterinary Cordon Fence,” Judge Ueitele said.

Further to this, the learned judge added that Amupanda invoked Articles 8(1) and 8(2)(b) of the Constitution, contending that the Veterinary Cordon Fence is unconstitutional for violating the right to dignity of all persons travelling from the north, when they are subjected to routine searches and assumptions concerning the prevalence of animal diseases in the north. On this basis, he contends that the manner of implementing the Veterinary Cordon Fence amounts to ‘torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.’

The judge, however, ruled that Amupanda did not place a single shred of evidence before the court as to how the search (to which he consented) of his vehicle at the Oshivelo checkpoint on 17 May 2021 violated, disrespected or was inconsistent with his intrinsic worth.

“I, thus, find that Mr Amupanda has failed to place sufficient evidence before the court that holds the possibility of a finding that the implementation of the Veterinary Cordon Fence violates Article 8(1),” Judge Ueitele said.

Touching on Article 10 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law to all persons and confers protection against any law which is discriminatory, either of itself or in its effect, the judge explained that in the present case, the court is concerned with the statutory prohibition of conveying certain animal products from zones classified as foot-and-mouth risk zones or zones that are infested with foot-and-mouth disease to zones that are classified as foot-and-mouth-free zones.

“In the present matter, Mr Amupanda simply testified that the implementation of the Veterinary Cordon Fence treats people from the north differently from people from the south. It was, in cross-examination, put to Mr Amupanda that for the purposes of controlling foot-and-mouth diseases, Mr Amupanda has also not placed any evidence before the Court demonstrating that the restriction to convey animal products from one zone to another amounts to a ‘naked preference’ that serves no rational purpose. I, thus, find that Mr Amupanda has failed to place sufficient evidence before the court that holds the possibility of a finding that the implementation of the Veterinary Cordon Fence violates Article 10,” Ueitele ruled.

He thus dismissed Amupanda’s application to have the Redline removed, and upheld the defendants' application for absolution from instance.

27/03/2025

Taxpayers urged to engage in the tax amnesty program

Maria David

MINISTER of Finance Ericah Shafudah has called on taxpayers with outstanding debts to settle their obligations without incurring penalties and interest.

Shafudah made the call during the tabling of the national budget for the 2025/26 financial year on Thursday, under the theme “Beyond 35: For a Prosperous Future.”

According to Shafudah, the tax amnesty program will remain in effect until 31 October 2026.

She urged all concerned taxpayers to engage with the Namibia Revenue Agency (NamRA) and make the necessary arrangements to participate in the amnesty program before the expiry date.

“This initiative presents a valuable chance for individuals and businesses to regularize their tax affairs and alleviate the burden of accumulated interest and penalties,” she said.

Shafudah then encouraged all taxpayers to contact NamRA to understand the program's requirements and benefits and to take advantage of this window to achieve full tax compliance.

Further, she indicated that the prices of alcohol and to***co products will increase in line with the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) excise duties.

Shafudah stressed that excise duties on alcohol and to***co will increase by 6.75 percent in line with the SACU agreement, which took effect on 12 March 2025.

According to Shafudah, this adjustment is in accordance with Article 21 of the SACU agreement.

This means sparkling wine will increase by N$1.20 per litre, a 750ml bottle of absolute alcohol will increase by N$5.52 per bottle, fortified wine will increase by 64 cents, ci**rs will increase by N$369.36 per kg, a litre of spirits will increase by N$18.52, and a pack of 20 ci******es will increase by N$1.04 per pack.

She noted that these adjustments are part of the implementation of the agreed-upon increase in excise duties across the SACU region.

27/03/2025

The FY2025/26 Budget: A Clarion Call

Staff Reporter

THE first budget of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's administration was tabled in the National Assembly on Thursday under the theme, “Beyond 35: For a Prosperous Future.”

According to Finance Minister Ericah Shafudah, the theme serves as a clarion call to redouble efforts to create an even more prosperous future for Namibia.

"While we have made significant strides over the past 35 years," she said, "more still needs to be done to ensure a more inclusive, fair, and equitable economy that works for all citizens," she said, adding that the budget was formulated with the need to make necessary provisions, as much as the resource envelope permits.

Shafudah said they remain committed to managing government finances in a prudent manner that ensures long-term fiscal sustainability through achieving sustainable budget deficits and public debt.

She outlined that the relatively poorer revenue outlook for the 2025/26 financial year posed challenges in the resource allocation exercise, necessitating the employment of a more rigorous approach in determining key and most impactful priorities to accelerate service delivery, address the most pressing needs, and improve infrastructure development.

"In this context," she said, "I am tabling before this August House a budget of N$106.3 billion for FY2025/26. This total expenditure consists of N$79.8 billion in operational expenditure, N$12.8 billion in development expenditure, including N$3.2 billion in development projects funded through external loans and grants, as well as N$13.7 billion in interest payments."

The minister said that the FY2025/26 budget represents an increase of 4.9 percent from the revised estimates of the preceding financial year.

The operational budget of N$79.8 billion represents a 2.3 percent increase over the FY2024/25 mid-term estimates. Meanwhile, the development budget has increased by 22.6 percent to N$12.8 billion from the revised estimates for FY2024/25. "This includes N$3.2 billion in projects financed outside the State Revenue Fund," she said, pointing out that, as a ratio of GDP, the development budget is equivalent to 4.6 percent, an improvement from 4.2 percent in the prior year.

An amount of N$13.7 billion is budgeted to meet statutory debt servicing obligations, equivalent to 14.8 percent of revenues and 4.9 percent of GDP.

The budget allocations, aimed primarily at sustaining ongoing operations while addressing pertinent emerging issues, are as follows:

- A total of N$24.8 billion has been allocated to Education, Innovation, Arts, and Culture in FY2025/26 and N$76.1 billion over the MTEF.

- The budget of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare stands at N$473.6 million in FY2025/26 and N$1.5 billion over the MTEF.

- The Vote of Sport, Youth, and National Service has been allocated N$1.3 billion in FY2025/26. This allocation includes N$200 million for the construction of Category 2 stadiums across the country, N$200 million for basic sports infrastructure, and N$50 million for sports leagues. The allocation also considered support for various youth programs for skills development and capacity building.

- The Vote of Health and Social Services will receive N$12.3 billion and a sum of N$37.5 billion over the MTEF. Within that allocation, N$780 million in FY2025/26 and N$2.7 billion over the MTEF has been availed in the development budget to expand the network of health infrastructure countrywide. The end goal is to reduce congestion at state hospitals and improve the quality of services broadly. Consideration has also been made for additional personnel in the health sector as well as pharmaceuticals and clinical supplies.

- During FY2025/26, the Vote of Transport will receive a total of N$2.7 billion. In addition to fast-tracking the upgrading of the railway network, this allocation also caters for the completion of ongoing road construction projects, including rural feeder roads to schools and clinics. Over the MTEF, the vote will receive N$6.9 billion. This vote will also benefit from dedicated external loans for upgrading the Kranzberg-Otjiwarongo railway section as well as various roads.

- A total of N$2.6 billion in FY2025/26 has been allocated to the Vote of Agriculture and Land Reform. This includes dedicated allocations for improving food systems as well as the Green Scheme program, including Phase II of the Neckartal Dam Irrigation Project, among others.

- The Vote of Water and Marine Resources is allocated N$956.5 million in FY2025/26 and N$3.2 billion over the MTEF.

- The budget of the Ministry of International Relations and Trade stands at N$1.2 billion in FY2025/26 and a total of N$3.8 billion over the MTEF.

- The budget of the Ministry of Mines, Energy, and Industry is set at N$939.5 million in FY2025/26 and N$2.8 billion over the MTEF.

- A total of N$797.6 million has been allocated to the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism.

- The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology has been allocated N$898.5 million and N$2.8 billion over the MTEF.

- The Ministry of Finance has been allocated a budget of N$14.6 billion in FY2025/26, including N$7.2 billion for various social grants. A total of N$100 million has been budgeted for the Meat Corporation of Namibia (MeatCo). Meanwhile, N$320 million has been provided for TransNamib in line with the ongoing exercise to improve efficiencies and address infrastructure and operational challenges.

- In addition, a total of N$350 million is provided in the Contingency Fund to cater for unforeseen emergencies in FY2025/26.

- The Anti-Corruption Commission has been allocated N$116.5 million in FY2025/26. Over the MTEF period, the vote will utilize a total of N$407.1 million.

- The Vote of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety, and Security receives N$7.9 billion in the next financial year. Within this allocation, over N$80.3 million has been provided for the ministry to roll out a biometric system. The vote will utilize N$23.9 billion over the MTEF.

- Spending on the Vote of Defence is set at N$7.5 billion, adding up to N$23.2 billion over the MTEF.

- The Judiciary has been allocated N$601 million in the next financial year and N$1.7 billion over the MTEF period to ensure the speedy delivery of services.

- The Vote of Justice receives N$494.1 million and a total of N$1.3 billion over the MTEF.

- The budget of the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development is set at N$2.7 billion in FY2025/26. Over the MTEF, the vote receives a total of N$8.5 billion.

- The budget of the Office of the Prime Minister stands at N$636 million in FY2025/26 and N$1.9 billion over the MTEF.

- The National Assembly has been allocated N$398.2 million and N$1.2 billion over the MTEF.

- The Office of the President is allocated N$1.5 billion and N$4.6 billion over the MTEF.

- The Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) has been allocated a total of N$438 million in the coming financial year to ensure smooth and timely voter registration as well as to undertake the regional and local authority elections towards the end of the year.

27/03/2025

Shafudah tables N$106.3 billion budget amidst revenue slowdown

Business Reporter

NAMIBIA’S new Minister of Finance, Ericah Shafudah, today tabled a budget of N$106.3 billion, amidst what she termed a challenging financial environment.

Shafudah explained that Namibia, from a revenue perspective, has experienced notable headwinds which, in turn, have significantly constrained the available resource envelope during FY2025/26.

“In this regard, we estimate total revenues of N$92.6 billion for FY2025/26, a moderate increase of only 1.9% from the revised estimates of the previous year. The substantial strain on revenues emanated from a N$6.9 billion reduction in SACU receipts, which is confirmed at N$21.1 billion. Similarly, activities in the diamond sector remain subdued, resulting in muted contributions to the fiscus,” Shafudah said.

Nevertheless, she added that the finance ministry estimates improved performance on several domestic revenue streams as VAT is estimated to increase by N$2.6 billion compared to the revised estimates for FY2024/25, while income tax on individuals is estimated to increase by N$1.8 billion, and non-mining company taxes are estimated to increase by N$1.3 billion over the same period.

“The relatively poorer revenue outlook for FY2025/26, as I have outlined prior, posed challenges in the resource allocation exercise, redirecting us to employ a more rigorous approach in determining key and most impactful priorities to accelerate service delivery, address the most pressing needs, and improve infrastructure development. In this context, I am tabling before this August House a budget of N$106.3 billion for FY2025/26. This total expenditure consists of N$79.8 billion operational expenditure, N$12.8 billion in development expenditure, including N$3.2 billion in development projects funded through external loans and grants, as well as N$13.7 billion in interest payments. This budget represents an increase of 4.9% from the revised estimates of the preceding financial year,” Shafudah said.

She added that the operational budget is estimated at N$79.8 billion, growing by 2.3% over the FY2024/25 mid-term estimates. Meanwhile, to continue addressing infrastructure bottlenecks that weigh against our growth potential, the development budget has increased by 22.6% to N$12.8 billion from the revised estimates for FY2024/25. This is inclusive of N$3.2 billion in projects financed outside the State Revenue Fund. As a ratio of GDP, the development budget is equivalent to 4.6%, an improvement from 4.2% in the prior year.

Shafudah added that the budget prioritised allocations to promote economic development, protect social spending, and promote domestic food production.

The budget saw no increments in any social grants; however, it saw an increase in some tax categories, such as sin tax. Shafudah, however, added that the budget has made provisions to support and facilitate economic development through continued investments in infrastructure, such as housing and informal settlements upgrading, education, water, power generation, and health facilities, amongst others, to unlock economic opportunities and ensure the delivery of social services across the country.

She added that despite the revenue shocks, the government has sustained allocations to the various social protection programmes in consideration of the need to continue safeguarding livelihoods, support the most vulnerable sectors of our society, empower the youth, and protect gains in social metrics.

“We have also made specific provisions to address youth empowerment programmes and capacity enhancement activities; and the budget made allocations to various initiatives to promote food production and stimulate agricultural activities, given the elevated incidences of drought and the need to improve food security at a national level,” Shafudah said.

The ministries which received the highest amounts include, among others, Education, Innovation, Arts and Culture, which received a total of N$24.8 billion, followed by the Ministry of Finance, which has been allocated a budget of N$14.6 billion in FY2025/26, including N$7.2 billion for the various social grants. A total of N$100.0 million has been budgeted for the Meat Corporation of Namibia (MeatCo). Meanwhile, N$320 million has been provided for TransNamib in line with the ongoing exercise to improve efficiencies and stem infrastructure and operational challenges.

The Vote of Health and Social Services will receive N$12.3 billion. Within that allocation, the finance ministry has availed N$780 million in FY2025/26 and N$2.7 billion over the MTEF in the development budget to expand the network of health infrastructures countrywide. The end goal, Shafudah said, is to reduce congestion at state hospitals and improve the quality of services broadly. Accordingly, consideration has also been made for additional personnel in the health sector as well as pharmaceuticals and clinical supplies.

Caption: The Table shows allocation to different ministries across the board.