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namib times
SERVING THE COASTAL COMMUNITY SINCE 1958 NO 6739 THURSDAY 29 MARCH 2018 Tel: +264 64 - 205854 / +264 64 - 461866 /Fax: +264 64 - 204813 / 064 - 461824 / Website: www.namibtimes.net
N$28 million roof replacement project for 2000 houses in Arandis Town wants to be asbestos-free in “It is now a race three years against the tide” Sharlien Tjambari
Arandis wants to be asbestos free in the course of the next three years. This mammoth task would cost N$28 million and require the replacement of asbestos roof sheeting with zinc-aluminium sheeting on nearly 2000 houses.
These houses were constructed in the 1970's when the dangers of asbestos to human health, more specifically the respiratory system was very little known of. The project to replace the roof sheeting will be undertaken by the A r a n d i s To w n Council, in conjunction with the Rio Tinto Rössing Uranium Mine. The Roofing Upgrade Program is themed: "Arandis Roofing Project is Always on the Move". According to the Mayor of Arandis, Risto Kapendah, the zinc-aluminium sheets which will be replacing the asbestos sheeting are both health and environmental friendly. Asbestos is a soft grey-white fibre material which was used as roofing back in the days when the dangers of this material was very little known. Asbestos roofing is still prevalent, not
only at Arandis but also in the coastal town of Walvis Bay. Asbestos fibre accumulates in the human lungs and other parts of the respiratory tract and the most prevalent disease it causes is asbestosis. Most diseases caused by asbestos results in its victim dying a slow and agonising death caused by severe oxygen starvation. The project is phased over three years, at a total of N$28 million. In the first phase of the project, a total of 833 roofs will be replaced. These are houses classified as the most urgent for roof replacement. According to Kapendah, the project will commence on 3 April. The replacement is free of charge. The Arandis Town Council became aware of the dangers of asbestos after a study was conducted in 2004 by Rössing, to identify the risks associated with the closure of the mine. The asbestos roofs of houses constructed by
the mine was identified as one of the key points to address. "The Arandis Town Council is the first town in Namibia to undertake this type of project. It is undertaken in the spirit of service excellence and smart partnership",explained Kapendah during a press conference on Tuesday. The mayor added all other possible danger areas involving asbestos has been removed and the roofing of the houses are the only remaining obstacle to clear. Residents of Arandis have been engaged over what this roof replacement project entails and what their rights and duties are. Residents of the homes will be required to vacate their abodes when it is their turn and temporary housing will be provided. "It is the vision of Arandis Town Council to be independent and a viable town that is known as the centre of excellence. Continues on Page 2
inside Financial Mismanagement Costs Topnaars Page 3
Tourists survive accident Page 4
The South African salvage tug SA Amandla is pressured to refloat the stricken Japanese tuna long liner that ran aground near Cape Cross last Wednesday. Rough seas are set to roll in over the weekend and could break the vessel apart. Read more on page 2.
Locker vom Hocker
DON’T adjust your watch on Sunday! With Sunday 1 April approaching, Namibians are reminded to not adjust their watches to winter time, as this is no more in existence. Between 1994 and 2017 Namibia changed between summer time and winter time on every first Sunday of April. This is now something of the past. Sunday is also April Fool's Day and someone might just convince you Namibia still has winter time. Remember the joke will then be upon you. Namibia's Parlia-
ment repealed the 1994 Namibian Time Act (Act 3 of 1994) last year with the newly adopted Namibian Time Act (Act 9 of 2017), which scrapped winter time. Namibia now has a
standard all year time of two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2). President Hage Geingob signed the bill into legislation on 6 October last year.
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Navy ends Fourth Page 23