Namibia Minute.
Sunday, 6 September 2026
Namibia’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Sunday, 6 September 2026
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Namibian press · Person

Lydia Amutenya

2025-01-282026-09-06

What’s been said

Key points drawn from coverage. Tap a point to see the original sentence.

  1. June 2026
  2. The Namibian

    City of Windhoek spokesperson Lydia Amutenya confirmed that the municipality reconnected water services to the ministry yesterday

    Source

    City of Windhoek spokesperson Lydia Amutenya has confirmed that the municipality reconnected water services to the ministry yesterday.

    Works water disconnected over N$9.66m debt
  3. May 2026
  4. The Namibian

    City spokesperson Lydia Amutenya says residents should allow water to stand until clear and not panic

    Source

    City spokesperson Lydia Amutenya says residents should allow the water to stand for a while until it becomes clear, and urges the public not to panic.

    How your water gets to your tap
  5. Windhoek Observer

    Lydia Amutenya said reduced inflow caused reservoir levels to drop significantly

    Source

    City spokesperson Lydia Amutenya said on Monday that the reduced inflow caused reservoir levels across the city to drop significantly.

    Windhoek water discolouration linked to pipeline damage
  6. Windhoek Observer

    Lydia Amutenya said the issue is mainly aesthetic and does not affect water safety

    Source

    She said the issue is mainly aesthetic and does not affect the safety of the water for consumption.

    Windhoek water discolouration linked to pipeline damage
  7. The Namibian

    City of Windhoek spokesperson Lydia Amutenya said final treated water complies with Namibian Drinking Water Quality Standards

    Source

    Amutenya said the final treated water complies with the Namibian Drinking Water Quality Standards, which are in line with World Health Organisation guidelines.

    Windhoek residents demand lab evidence on tap safety
  8. The Namibian

    Lydia Amutenya confirmed that the matter concerning the structure at Havana informal settlement has been addressed through engagement between the city and the owner

    Source

    "The City of Windhoek can confirm that the matter concerning the structure at Havana informal settlement has been addressed through engagement between the city and the owner of the structure," municipality spokesperson Lydia Amutenya said on Monday.

    City saves Havana family’s dream house
  9. Windhoek Observer

    Lydia Amutenya said the homeowner approached the municipality and requested that some conditions be relaxed

    Source

    City of Windhoek spokesperson Lydia Amutenya said the homeowner approached the municipality after compliance directives were issued and requested that some of the conditions be relaxed.

    CoW halts Havana house demolition
  10. The Namibian

    City spokesperson Lydia Amutenya said the public should not be worried about the safety of water

    Source

    City spokesperson Lydia Amutenya said the public should not be worried about the safety of the water, as the machines are only used to separate waste from water.

    City says water is safe despite body found in water treatment machine
  11. Windhoek Observer

    Lydia Amutenya said the city considered the homeowner's request and revised some conditions subject to strict compliance measures

    Source

    Amutenya said the city considered the request and revised some of the conditions, subject to strict compliance measures.

    CoW halts Havana house demolition
  12. Windhoek Observer

    City of Windhoek spokesperson Lydia Amutenya announced body discovery at Gammams Water Care Works facility

    Source

    City of Windhoek spokesperson Lydia Amutenya made the announcement this evening.

    Body discovered at Gammams Water Works facility
Business

Windhoek introduces permit system for heavy vehicles

The News

The City of Windhoek is launching a new permit system for heavy vehicles over nine tonnes entering the city from 1 September, requiring operators to obtain permits for delivery or authorised purposes and restricting unpermitted vehicles to industrial areas. The city says the system is needed to reduce congestion and road damage caused by rising heavy vehicle traffic.

1 September 2026 · The Namibian

Tuesday 1 September

  1. Windhoek introduces permit system for heavy vehicles

    The City of Windhoek is launching a new permit system for heavy vehicles over nine tonnes entering the city from 1 September, requiring operators to obtain permits for delivery or authorised purposes and restricting unpermitted vehicles to industrial areas. The city says the system is needed to reduce congestion and road damage caused by rising heavy vehicle traffic.

    1 September 2026 · The Namibian

Monday 24 August

  1. Windhoek councillors question CEO's foreign trips and spending

    Windhoek city councillors have raised concerns over CEO Moses Matyayi's foreign trips, including an alleged N$300 000 spent on a trip to Harvard University, and are calling for removal of council resolutions that allow him to travel internationally without prior council approval. Matyayi has rejected the allegations as "speculative and unsupported by evidence" and calls the complaints a "clandestine witch-hunt."

    24 August 2026 · The Namibian

Thursday 13 August

  1. Ongos veld fire destroys 4,700 hectares near Windhoek

    A veld fire in the Ongos area has affected approximately 4,700 hectares of land, according to preliminary data from the directorate of forestry. City of Windhoek firefighters have resumed containment efforts after winds forced suspension of operations, with remaining activity limited to contained interior fires and monitoring ongoing in affected areas.

    13 August 2026 · The Namibian

Wednesday 12 August

  1. Contractor blames traffic and live site for N$381m road deterioration

    The contractor for the N$381-million Eneas Peter Nanyemba Road has blamed heavy traffic and a "live site" with ongoing construction activities for road deterioration that began before completion. The contractor said it has investigated the causes and submitted repair solutions to authorities for approval.

    12 August 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Windhoek firefighters resume operations on Daan Viljoen mountain

    A fire broke out on the mountain near Daan Viljoen Game Reserve in Windhoek, with strong south-westerly winds pushing flames toward the reserve. Firefighting operations were suspended overnight due to unsafe conditions but resumed the following morning, with initial assessment indicating the fire remains in mountain terrain and is not currently threatening any properties.

    12 August 2026 · Informanté

Monday 10 August

  1. City of Windhoek seeks eviction of Havana residents over market site

    The City of Windhoek has summoned about 50 people to vacate land earmarked for a new community market to complete the Havana four-way road and intersection; residents object, saying the city has not provided promised services including water and electricity at their allocated relocation sites.

    10 August 2026 · The Namibian

Monday 3 August

  1. Windhoek's N$381m road shows cracks before handover

    The 6.1-kilometre Eneas Peter Nanyemba Road in Windhoek, which cost N$381 million, has begun to deteriorate before being handed over to the City of Windhoek. The City said responsibility for repairs remains with the developer and project engineer, who are investigating the defects.

    3 August 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Windhoek informal settlement residents lack household water connections

    Many residents of Windhoek's informal settlements rely on communal water points for daily needs, while elderly residents find the task increasingly difficult. The municipality has uncovered alleged tampering with prepaid water cards, which residents say places an unfair burden on those paying for water while others bypass the system.

    3 August 2026 · New Era

Friday 24 July

  1. Road Fund Administrator allocates N$439m for Windhoek roads

    The Road Fund Administrator has allocated N$439 million towards road maintenance, infrastructure improvements and traffic law enforcement in Windhoek, funding projects including upgrades to Peter Nanyemba Road (N$65m), Auas Road widening (N$89m), and Winnie Madikizela Mandela upgrade (N$179.2m). The RFA CEO noted that while this funding supports local authority road maintenance programmes, local authorities retain primary responsibility for road infrastructure under the Local Authority Act.

    24 July 2026 · New Era

Thursday 23 July

  1. Windhoek informal settlement residents demand water and basic services

    Residents of Baboon City, an informal settlement in Windhoek, say they have been neglected by political leaders after elections and lack access to clean water and basic services. The City of Windhoek maintains the area is not a recognised settlement and has no plans to formalise it or provide municipal services.

    23 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Tuesday 21 July

  1. Windhoek lacks attractions to retain tourist interest

    The Hospitality Association of Namibia says tourists find Windhoek lacks sufficient attractions and events, with feedback that museums and historical buildings are not properly promoted. While the city serves as a gateway to Namibia's tourism destinations, urban tourism remains limited to historic landmarks and township experiences.

    21 July 2026 · The Namibian

  2. City of Windhoek admits security gap at Groot Aub Cemetery

    The City of Windhoek has acknowledged that dedicated municipal security services have not yet been deployed at Groot Aub Cemetery following the vandalism of Joseph Willem Modise's grave. The cemetery remains in a transitional phase after its incorporation into the City and has not yet been fully integrated into formal cemetery operations.

    21 July 2026 · New Era

Sunday 19 July

  1. Windhoek launches N$12-million streetlight mapping initiative

    The City of Windhoek has begun a 28-month project to digitally map and inspect over 17,000 municipal streetlight poles to improve public safety, reduce maintenance delays, and modernise infrastructure management.

    19 July 2026 · The Namibian

Thursday 16 July

  1. City of Windhoek denies halt to informal trading permits

    The City of Windhoek has denied allegations that its CEO's office instructed officials to stop issuing new informal trading permits, saying applications continue to be processed under existing regulations. The denial follows complaints from traders and residents in Dorado Park about City Police preventing informal traders from operating and the City refusing to issue trading letters.

    16 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Tuesday 14 July

  1. Windhoek councillor demands clarity on Dorado Park trade suspension

    Windhoek Municipality councillor Maitjituavi Kavetu has requested information from City management about the suspension of trading letters and increased enforcement against informal traders in Dorado Park, citing governance and public interest concerns following complaints from residents and traders claiming City Police prevented them from operating.

    14 July 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Thursday 9 July

  1. Government institutions' municipal debt to Windhoek drops 60%

    Outstanding municipal debt owed by government institutions to the City of Windhoek fell from approximately N$67 million in May to N$27 million in June, a 60% decline attributed to government's crackdown on unpaid accounts. The City's overall debtors' book also improved over the same period, declining from N$912 million in May to N$845 million in June.

    9 July 2026 · New Era

Monday 6 July

  1. Young professionals struggle with Windhoek rental costs

    Young professionals in Windhoek report that rising rental costs make independent living increasingly unaffordable despite employment, with tenants facing high prices, outdated units, and restrictive lease conditions that consume large portions of their salaries.

    6 July 2026 · The Namibian

Thursday 25 June

  1. Windhoek may seek legal changes for fibre commercialisation project

    The City of Windhoek says it may seek legislative amendments to the Local Authorities Act after the Supreme Court ruled the municipality lacks legal authority to provide telecommunications services. The city views fibre commercialisation as essential to its smart city ambitions.

    25 June 2026 · The Namibian

Tuesday 23 June

  1. Windhoek informal settlement without waste collection for 33 years

    Epandulo, an informal settlement in Windhoek's Moses //Garoeb constituency with nearly 1,500 residents, has lacked garbage collection, toilets, and adequate water access for 33 years, creating a sanitation crisis that residents say is causing health problems in children.

    23 June 2026 · The Namibian

Tuesday 16 June

  1. Ministry of Works water cut over N$9.66m unpaid bill

    The Windhoek municipality disconnected water to the Ministry of Works and Transport's head office over an unpaid utility bill of N$9.66 million; the water was restored yesterday after four days without supply and the minister instructed officials to settle the debt and investigate how it accumulated.

    16 June 2026 · The Namibian

Tuesday 26 May

  1. City explains brown water, pipeline damage, and body discovery

    The City of Windhoek has disclosed that brown discoloration in tap water results from sand mixing with water when pipes burst or corrode, and from residue stirred up by low reservoir levels following damage to the Von Bach pipeline. The disclosures came during a media tour of the water treatment plant, held after a body was discovered in a water treatment machine and residents raised safety concerns.

    26 May 2026 · The Namibian

Monday 25 May

  1. Pipeline damage causes water discolouration in Windhoek areas

    The City of Windhoek attributed recent water discolouration to pipeline damage between the Von Bach Water Treatment Plant and Windhoek that interrupted NamWater supply. The reduced inflow lowered reservoir levels, disturbing sediment and causing brown-coloured water in areas including Katutura and Okuryangava, though the city said the issue is aesthetic and does not affect water safety.

    25 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Wednesday 20 May

  1. Windhoek residents demand lab evidence after body found in water treatment facility

    A body was discovered at Windhoek's Gammams Water Care Works facility on Sunday, prompting the Residents and Ratepayers Association to demand laboratory results on tap water safety. The Windhoek Municipality has assured the public that the city's water is safe, noting the body was found at the initial screening stage of the treatment process.

    20 May 2026 · The Namibian

  2. City of Windhoek halts demolition of Havana family home

    The City of Windhoek has agreed to stop the planned demolition of an N$500 000 unapproved home at Max Mutongolume informal settlement in Havana, following negotiations with the family that owns it. The family of 15, who have lived in the area for 18 years, requested relief from compliance directives and the city agreed to review the house for possible regularisation.

    20 May 2026 · The Namibian

  3. City of Windhoek halts Havana house demolition after settlement

    The City of Windhoek has resolved a case involving an unapproved house in Havana Informal Settlement after the homeowner requested that compliance conditions be relaxed. Under the agreement, the owner committed to residential use with limited charitable activities, and must complete specific remaining works while accepting liability for occupying the unapproved structure.

    20 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Tuesday 19 May

  1. Windhoek Municipality assures public water is safe after body discovery

    The Windhoek Municipality said municipal water remains safe for drinking after a body was found in a machine at the Gammams Water Care Works facility on Sunday. A city spokesperson stated the machines where the body was found are only used to separate waste from water, and water undergoes proper treatment.

    19 May 2026 · The Namibian

  2. Windhoek halts Havana house demolition after owner agreement

    The City of Windhoek has resolved a dispute over a house built without municipal approval in Havana Informal Settlement by revising compliance conditions after the homeowner's request. The owner committed by sworn affidavit to use the structure primarily for residential purposes with limited charitable activities, and may complete specified works including corrugated iron sheets, window glass, and floor and wall smoothing.

    19 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

Monday 18 May

  1. Unidentified body found at Windhoek water treatment facility

    An unidentified male body was discovered inside a machine at the City of Windhoek's Gammams Water Care Works facility on Sunday. A security officer on patrol found the body and alerted officials; the scene has been secured and handed to the Namibian Police for investigation.

    18 May 2026 · Windhoek Observer

  2. Body found at Windhoek water treatment facility

    An unidentified male body was discovered inside a machine at the City of Windhoek's Gammams Water Care Works facility on Sunday, 17 May 2026. The incident has been handed over to the Namibian Police for investigation.

    18 May 2026 · Informanté

Monday 11 May

  1. Windhoek council approves 1 400 new housing units

    The City of Windhoek has approved four township development projects aimed at formalising informal settlements and delivering more than 1 400 housing units to accommodate an estimated 4 866 people in Otjomuise and Hadino Hishongwa.

    11 May 2026 · The Namibian

Lydia Amutenya — Namibian press coverage · Namibia Minute