National Energy Fund nearly depleted after N$1.3 billion fuel bailout
via The Namibian3 min read
The National Energy Fund has been significantly depleted, with only N$200 million to N$300 million remaining, after the government spent N$1.3 billion over two months to subsidize fuel prices. Minister of industry, mines and energy Modestus Amutse stated that the government intervened to keep fuel prices lower than market rates, with N$805 million paid to suppliers in April and N$490 million in May. This heavy spending began in April due to increased international fuel costs. The Fuel and Franchise Association of Namibia Fafa questioned whether the government's temporary fuel supply arrangement with Vitol, a global oil company, would help rebuild the fund. Amutse explained that the government cushioned the impact to ensure the public could afford petroleum products. He also noted that fuel wholesalers charged import premiums, which added to expenditures, and that removing these premiums, averaging N$300 million per month, would save money. The government has introduced a temporary three-month fuel supply arrangement with Vitol, from June to September, while it prepares a permanent bulk petroleum import coordination system. This new system will allow fuel wholesalers to jointly buy fuel through an agreed-upon process. Amutse announced that motorists will pay less at the pump starting tomorrow, with petrol decreasing by N$1 per litre, and diesel 50ppm and diesel 10ppm both falling by N$4 per litre. New Walvis Bay pump prices will be N$22.48 per litre for petrol 95, N$24.26 for
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Humanoid robot footballers are captivating audiences at RoboCup in Incheon, South Korea, an event dubbed the world's largest robotics competition. Engineers are working towards a future where fully autonomous robot teams can defeat FIFA World Cup champions by 2050. Unlike remote-controlled machines, these robots make independent decisions once a match begins, showcasing recent advancements in artificial intelligence. Spectators at the event, which features small, medium, and large humanoid robots competing simultaneously, expressed fascination and amusement, noting the robots' surprisingly human-like movements and the emergence of team loyalties. Lea Wedmann of the Hamburg Bit-Bots team explained that while robots play autonomously, human team members relay referee commands via software. Thomas Rofer, spokesperson for Germany's B-Human team, believes robots could defeat humans by 2050, citing significant progress in humanoid robot development, including robots capable of kicking as hard as a human. Morgan Stanley Research projects that by 2050, approximately 930 million humanoid robots will be engaged in repetitive tasks, with the global humanoid robotics market potentially reaching $5 trillion. While RoboCup offers no prize money, focusing instead on advancing robotics research, Professor Shim In-wook of Inha University envisions robot football becoming a sport in its own right, where multiple "Messi robots" could be replicated.
Must ReadJurgen Klopp has informed the German FA DFB of his fundamental willingness to become the next Germany coach, following Julian Nagelsmann's resignation. Nagelsmann stepped down on Friday, four days after Germany's last-32 exit from the World Cup. The DFB confirmed discussions would commence with Klopp, the former Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund manager. Klopp, currently Red Bull's head of global football, reportedly has a verbal agreement allowing him to take the Germany job. Nagelsmann's resignation came after a three-hour meeting at DFB headquarters, where he was reportedly offered a severance package of seven million euros. Nagelsmann expressed his regret for the team's performance, stating his priority was the team's success and that it deserved a new beginning. DFB sporting director Rudi Voeller praised Nagelsmann as an excellent coach. Germany's recent performance includes two group stage World Cup exits and elimination at the last 16 in Euro 2021, and a quarter-final loss in Euro 2024. The DFB's swift action aims to avoid past situations where coaches were retained too long after unsuccessful campaigns.
Member of Parliament Willem Amutenya has urged health training institutions to enhance mental health education to support Namibia's new Mental Health Act. Speaking during a parliamentary consultation, Amutenya noted that most institutions presented limited or no mental health-focused programs. He emphasized that the new legislation requires greater integration of mental health services into primary healthcare and community-based care, necessitating more trained mental healthcare professionals. Amutenya highlighted the shortage of psychiatrists and community health workers in Namibia and called on institutions, particularly private ones, to introduce programs that will prepare professionals to implement the new law. The Mental Health Amendment Bill, passed by the National Assembly in January and now with the National Council, aims to replace the 1973 Mental Health Act. It seeks to strengthen mental healthcare services, protect the rights of individuals with mental health conditions, and improve access through expanded community-based services and integration into primary healthcare. The bill also allows the Ministry of Health and Social Services to designate private institutions as mental health facilities, introduces stricter penalties for healthcare workers who abuse or mistreat patients, and mandates broader mental health coverage from medical aid schemes. It also includes provisions for improved care and rehabilitation for offenders and inmates with mental health condition