Cabinet reveals decisions on a host of issues

Funds for Ostrich Industry CABINET has decided that the N$21,5 million it granted to the Namibia Ostrich Industry (NOI) be used as revolving funds over the next three years on condition that the performances of loan applicants are evaluated annually.

The funds are for both existing emerging ostrich farmers and large-scale ostrich farmers, said a statement from Cabinet Chambers. At its meeting on June 22, Cabinet noted that progress had been made in restructuring the NOI since the last status report in August 2003.The Ostrich Production Namibia (OPN) abattoir is to start slaughtering sheep by next month.The tannery has already started processing sheep skins.Land for agricultural project THE Karas Agricultural Initiative Project is to lease a 50-hectare piece of State land for vegetable production.Cabinet agreed at its meeting on July 6 that the Ministry of Lands, Resettlement and Rehabilitation should enter into agreement with the project, which applied for the land almost two years ago.A feasibility study was conducted by the Israel Co-operation of Agricultural Application (ICAA) which found the land suitable for vegetable production.A section of the land originally identified for the project encroached into the Ai-Ais Park.It was agreed that the lease would exclude this section.Double tax pact with Botswana NAMIBIA plans to enter into a double taxation agreement with Botswana.At its meeting on July 6, Cabinet authorised the Minister of Finance to submit the agreement to the National Assembly for ratification.The aim is to regulate taxation between countries to ensure that a resident of any of the two countries is not taxed by both countries on the same income.It will also prevent fiscal evasion by ensuring that a person is taxed in at least one of the two countries.Harbour land for Maritime wing THE Walvis Bay Municipality is to grant Government a 25-hectare piece of land for the Ministry of Defence to establish its maritime wing.The Defence Ministry requested the land as far back as 1997.The land lies about 2,5 kilometres north of the harbour; it is on a list of municipal property Government and the Municipality decided to exchange in 1998.Following its meeting on July 9, Cabinet granted approval for the official exchange of erven between the two parties.Prison Services day declared MARCH 27 is to be declared Namibian Prison Service Day following a Cabinet decision on June 29 – in recognition of the need to rehabilitate and reintegrate offenders into society as law-abiding citizens.The day is to be celebrated annually by Prison Service members to recognise achievements attained in combating crime through reducing recidivism and contributing to public safety.Cabinet also agreed that members of the prison services who had excelled in the course of duties through exemplary service be acknowledged by the awarding of medals and certificates.ODC to get own premises THE Offshore Development Company (ODC) is to acquire its own premises in Eugene Marais Street at a cost of N$687 330 – payable to the State Revenue Fund.Cabinet approved the sale at its meeting on June 29.The two Government houses situated on the erf will be converted into a modern office block.The ODC, the development agency of the Ministry of Trade Industry, is a joint private-public sector venture initiated by Government with the primary responsibility of promoting, monitoring and regulating activities of the Namibian Export Processing Zone.The agency currently operates from the same building as the Ministry of Trade and Industry.At its meeting on June 22, Cabinet noted that progress had been made in restructuring the NOI since the last status report in August 2003.The Ostrich Production Namibia (OPN) abattoir is to start slaughtering sheep by next month.The tannery has already started processing sheep skins. Land for agricultural project THE Karas Agricultural Initiative Project is to lease a 50-hectare piece of State land for vegetable production.Cabinet agreed at its meeting on July 6 that the Ministry of Lands, Resettlement and Rehabilitation should enter into agreement with the project, which applied for the land almost two years ago.A feasibility study was conducted by the Israel Co-operation of Agricultural Application (ICAA) which found the land suitable for vegetable production.A section of the land originally identified for the project encroached into the Ai-Ais Park.It was agreed that the lease would exclude this section.Double tax pact with Botswana NAMIBIA plans to enter into a double taxation agreement with Botswana.At its meeting on July 6, Cabinet authorised the Minister of Finance to submit the agreement to the National Assembly for ratification.The aim is to regulate taxation between countries to ensure that a resident of any of the two countries is not taxed by both countries on the same income.It will also prevent fiscal evasion by ensuring that a person is taxed in at least one of the two countries.Harbour land for Maritime wing THE Walvis Bay Municipality is to grant Government a 25-hectare piece of land for the Ministry of Defence to establish its maritime wing.The Defence Ministry requested the land as far back as 1997.The land lies about 2,5 kilometres north of the harbour; it is on a list of municipal property Government and the Municipality decided to exchange in 1998.Following its meeting on July 9, Cabinet granted approval for the official exchange of erven between the two parties.Prison Services day declared MARCH 27 is to be declared Namibian Prison Service Day following a Cabinet decision on June 29 – in recognition of the need to rehabilitate and reintegrate offenders into society as law-abiding citizens.The day is to be celebrated annually by Prison Service members to recognise achievements attained in combating crime through reducing recidivism and contributing to public safety.Cabinet also agreed that members of the prison services who had excelled in the course of duties through exemplary service be acknowledged by the awarding of medals and certificates.ODC to get own premises THE Offshore Development Company (ODC) is to acquire its own premises in Eugene Marais Street at a cost of N$687 330 – payable to the State Revenue Fund.Cabinet approved the sale at its meeting on June 29.The two Government houses situated on the erf will be converted into a modern office block.The ODC, the development agency of the Ministry of Trade Industry, is a joint private-public sector venture initiated by Government with the primary responsibility of promoting, monitoring and regulating activities of the Namibian Export Processing Zone.The agency currently operates from the same building as the Ministry of Trade and Industry.