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namib times SERVING THE COASTAL COMMUNITY SINCE 1958 NO 7078 FRIDAY 9 AUGUST 2024 Tel: +264 64 - 205854 / +264 64 - 461866 /Fax: +264 64 - 204813 / 064 - 461824 / Website: www.namibtimes.net
Celebrating the Remarkable Life of Katelynn Venter Rudi Bowe
Family, friends, and colleagues mourns the passing away of a very kind-hearted young lady, Katelynn Venter, a talented internationally acclaimed Para Archer, with a continuously smiling human soul. Katelynn passed away at the tender age of 18 a few days after undergoing brain surgery in Cape Town, South Africa on Tuesday this week. Katelynn Venter
Government Approves Major Desalination Plant in Erongo Eileen van der Schyff
The Namibian government has given the green light for the construction of a new desalination plant in the Erongo Region. This facility, designed to produce 20 million cubic meters of water per year, is a critical step towards addressing the rising water demand driven by increased uranium mining, industrial development, and population growth. This was announced by the Honourable Calle Schlettwein, Minister of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, during the Land Development Conference in Henties Bay. NamWater, the state-owned enterprise responsible for managing Namibia's water supply infrastructure, will oversee the project. Namibia's current water supply relies on the Omdel and Kuiseb Delta aquifers and the existing Orano desalination plant, which collectively provide
just under 30 million cubic meters annually. These sources have reached their sustainable limits, necessitating the construction of a new facility. “With the ambitious development plans of Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, alongside increased mining, industrial, and agricultural demands, our current water resources are insufficient,” Schlettwein stated. “Approval for a second desalination plant with a capacity of approximately 20 million cubic meters per year has been granted, with construction set to
begin in January 2025 and completion anticipated by early 2027.” The new plant is part of a broader initiative aimed at positioning Namibia as a leader in sustainable water management. It will ensure a secure and reliable water supply, crucial for supporting the region's economic activities and enhancing the quality of life for residents. This project follows the completion of a comprehensive Feasibility Study for a Desalination Plant and Water Transfer System in Continues on page 2
Katelynn started archery in 2019 and was a member of the Atlantis Archery Club in Walvis Bay. Katelynn was born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. Despite her handicap,
Katelynn never gave up hope and belief in becoming a champion. This Gutsy and courageous paraarcher, Namibia's Indoor and Continues on page 2
The Mission to Seafarers Shuts Down After Years of Service
inside Swakopmund Hosts Key Anti-Corruption Forum to Strengthen Regional Collaboration Page 2
NFCPT Launches 12th National Fish Consumption Day
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11th Mining Expo & Conference Kicks Off
Rudi Bowe
Our well-loved Mission to Seafarers in Walvis Bay, an international mission of the Anglican Church that cares for the practical and spiritual welfare of seafarers of all nationalities and faiths. situated at the main gate of the Namibian Port Authority (Namport) has closed its doors after serving Seafarers for the past sixty seven years. The closure of Mission to Seafarers in Walvis Bay is due to financial constrain. The mission that offered ship workers small comforts and spiritual support since 1957 was hit hard by the of covid pandemic in
2020. The Port Development Manager of the Mission to Seafarers from the Anglican Church in London, Paul Trathen said that years ago, all over the world there was small as well as big Mission to Sea-
farers centres. Trathen said, “those days the mission centres were busy and could sustain itself financially as vessels docked for up to three days at ports.” According to Trathen Continues on page 2
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Sports News
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