N$6
namib times
SERVING THE COASTAL COMMUNITY SINCE 1958 NO 7118 FRIDAY 30 MAY 2025 Tel: +264 64 - 205854 / +264 64 - 461866 /Fax: +264 64 - 204813 / 064 - 461824 / Website: www.namibtimes.net
inside Lüderitz Set to Become Oil and Gas Gateway with Northern N$4 billion Port Expansion Ocean Eileen van der Schyff
The Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) is moving forward with an ambitious N$4 billion investment to develop a large-scale oil and gas supply base at the Port of Lüderitz. The development, aimed at supporting offshore oil field infrastructure, will position the southern port town as a strategic logistics hub in the country's fast-growing petroleum sector. According to Namport CEO Andrew
Kanime, the tender for Phase One of the project is expected to be launched in the third quarter of 2025, coinciding with Namibia's shift from exploratory drilling to full-scale oil field development. “Up until now, we've only been supporting the
exploration and appraisal phases. But once the industry decides that it's definitely viable to proceed with the development of those oil fields, everything changes,” Kanime said. The new supply base will include the extension of the existing berth by 500 metres, with 300 metres dedicated specifically to oil and gas operations, and the remaining 200 metres available for other industries. Namport also plans to re-
claim 14 hectares of land from the sea to serve as a short-term cargo storage area. “The Port of Lüderitz is very small and boxed in. The only way to create more space is by reclaiming land from the ocean,” Kanime explained. He noted that only materials scheduled for turnaround within 48 hours will be stored within the port to ease congestion. Environmental and heritage
impact assessments for the development have already been conducted and are pending regulatory approval from bodies including the Environmental Commissioner and the National Heritage Council. Community engagement on the project will take place before final approvals are granted. Looking ahead, Phase Two of the project will involve the appointment of an external operator
to manage the supply base. This operator will be responsible for investing in heavy-lift infrastructure, including cranes and warehousing facilities. “We want to appoint an operator that will come and manage that oil and gas supply base. They would then need to come and manage that base in exchange for doing those investments, ”Kanime said.
Backs Namibia's Offshore Energy Growth
Continues on page 2
Swakopmund Museum Launches Youth Ambassador Program
Municipality and NamWater Vandalism Infront of Engage Fishing Industry Namib Times Eileen van der Schyff Over Supply Concerns Eileen van der Schyff
The Municipality of Walvis Bay, together with NamWater, convened a strategic meeting with key players in the fishing industry on Friday, 23 May. The engagement sought to address industry concerns about intermittent water outages that have affected operations in recent weeks. Opening the meeting, Mr Henok Shikongo of the Municipality emphasised the importance of honest, collaborative dialogue. “Transparency is one of our core values.” He encouraged open communication between authorities and stakeholders. According to NamWater, the recent disruptions are not due to a lack of water resources but rather delivery challenges stemming from ageing infrastructure, pipe
bursts, and a growing trend of theftrelated incidents, which have led to power outages critical to water supply systems. Mr Frans Ihuhua, Head of Water Supply for the Erongo Region, laid out both immediate and long-term plans to stabilise the situation. NamWater is currently reinstating two boreholes to supplement Walvis Bay's required 900 cubic metres per hour, a short-term fix Continues on page 2
A rubbish bin located directly in front of the Namib Times offices was found broken over the weekend in what appears to be an act of vandalism. The damage is believed to have occurred during the late hours of Saturday night or early Sunday morning. The shattered bin not only creates an eyesore in the central part of town but also high-
**********
Page 2
Another Pensioner Falls Victim to Robbers Page 3
lights growing concerns about public property being deliberately damaged. Residents and business owners in the
area have expressed frustration, calling for more vigilance and community responsibility.
Sports News Pages 7 - 8