President opposes phosphate

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is reportedly less than pleased with the environment commissioner’s decision to give Namibian Marine Phosphate clearance to start mining for fertilisers in the Atlantic Ocean.

The Namibian understands the president held a meeting with senior government officials this week, during which she made it clear Namibia should not be used for an experiment in the ocean.

Last week, environmental commissioner Timoteus Mufeti approved an environmental clearance certificate (ECC) for the Sandpiper Marine Phosphate project, led by businessman Knowledge Katti and his business partner, Mohammed Al Barwani, one of Oman’s richest businessmen.

The licence approval has allegedly left the president and other senior government officials fuming over not being consulted on a decision with massive public interest.

This week’s meeting was attended by ministers and senior government officials such as Mufeti, whose decision is now under scrutiny.

Others include attorney general Festus Mbandeka.

Minister in the Presidency Charles Mubita is said to have hinted that action should be taken against the officials who made the decision.