Fishing body challenges Namibian Marine Phosphate clearance

The Confederation of Namibian Fishing Associations (CNFA) has threatened to challenge the validity of Namibian Marine Phosphate’s environmental clearance, citing unanswered information requests.

Lawyer Sisa Namandje, representing the federation, wrote to environmental commissioner Timoteus Mufeti yesterday, saying the CNFA had repeatedly sought information about Namibian Marine Phosphate’s (NMP) environmental assessment since May 2022 but had never received a response.

The lawyers say Mufeti had promised in July 2022 that a response was being prepared, but the federation was still waiting by the time the environmental clearance certificate (ECC) was issued on 5 August.

“Please take notice that the validity of your decision is to be challenged immediately,” the lawyers wrote.

They demanded a response from the environmental commissioner by close of business yesterday and said all the federation’s rights are reserved.