NAU opposes proposed NamPower price hike
Union says no to proposed new tariff
The agricultural union has cited the state of the economy, unemployment rates, and the looming drought as reasons for its objection to the proposed new price.
The Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) has opposed NamPower's proposed 16.87% tariff increase.This is more than double the inflation rate, the agricultural union argued.
A meeting between stakeholders took place on 31 March, the union said, during which NamPower submitted their annual proposals for adjustment in bulk power tariffs for the 2023-2024 cycle to the Electricity Control Board (ECB) for approval.
The ECB must now consider these proposals and approve a tariff for NamPower by 30 April.
"Based on this approved bulk tariff from NamPower, the other power suppliers, such as the Regional Electricity Distributors (REDs) and local authorities, must also submit their applications for power rate adjustments to the ECB for approval," NAU explained in a statement.
Stakeholders now have the opportunity to submit objections to the ECB.
"Given the current state of the economy, the high unemployment rate, and the challenges in which farming finds itself after a very limited rainy season, the NAU, on behalf of its members, seriously objects to the excessive increase."
The union said it believes the ECB will thoroughly consider the state of the country's economy and the objections of stakeholders and will approve a responsible power tariff to be applied as of 1 July.
Marketing groups
In other news, the Meat Board of Namibia has established regional livestock marketing committees.
These were established in the Zambezi, Kavango East and West and the Oshikoto, Oshana, Ohangwena and Omusati regions.
According to the Meat Board, these committees consist of members of various stakeholders in the livestock and meat industries in these regions.
"The purpose of the committees is to provide a platform where regional livestock and meat industry representatives can meet and discuss issues pertaining to livestock and meat marketing and advise the board through the Livestock Marketing Committee on various policy and strategic instruments to promote and address challenges in these regions."
Information sharing
Meanwhile, two successful regenerative agriculture information days, initiated by the NAU, were recently held at Farm Blystroom of Dawie Kok in the Grootfontein area and Farm Buffelhoek of Koos Briedenhann in the Otjiwarongo district.
Field visits took place on both days, and thorough attention was given to the regenerative practices at ground level and the results achieved.
Participants also received in-depth information about the lessons learned and how to avoid mistakes.
Avoid scammers
The agricultural union warned its members that different scams are still being practiced on a daily basis and that agricultural employers are being targeted in all regions.
"Persons are contacted by people posing as lawyers, members of the police force, or the labour office. They use fake names, send falsified court documentation, and then threaten the farmers with warrants for their arrest for alleged crimes."
The union said they then demand some kind of payment from the farmer in exchange for avoiding an arrest.
The union warned members to be aware of these scams and stressed that a legal arrest can never be settled for a quick payment; the police have no legal powers to deal with labour disputes as labour disputes can only be handled by labour offices for which there are prescribed procedures that include written notifications.
The union also added that farmers should never make any payments based on telephone instructions or requests.