Next week the minister of regional, local government and housing is expected to table the long-awaited amendments to the existing legislations to get the Windhoek city police force into motion. This was revealed at the monthly Council meeting on Wednesday. Councillor Elaine Trepper said the municipal police would be active by the end of this year. According to her, the force was "already established" and was waiting only for the amendments to become law. However, no information could be obtained about who would head the city cops. Council further decided to have another evaluation process, allegedly for the new constructions that were built, since the last evaluation. The opposition Councillors of DTA, RP and UDF questioned the purpose and expenditure for this exercise, since the last evaluation roll was only completed recently. The new process will cost around N$1,7 million

DTA President Katuutire Kaura will address an economic conference in New York next week on Namibia’s role in promoting development in Southern Africa. The leader of the official opposition was invited to attend the Republican National Convention in New York, where he will also speak on development and democracy in Southern Africa. Announcing the trip to the US, DTA Secretary General McHenry Venaani told reporters on Tuesday that the invitation came about because the DTA is a member of the International Democrat Union (IDU), to which President George W. Bush’s party is also affiliated. The Convention of the Republican Party will take place between 28 August and 3 September and will nominate Bush as their presidential candidate. Other African politicians invited to the Convention are senior government leaders of Ghana, Kenya and Mozambique.

President Sam Nujoma will officially open the Ongwediva Trade Fair on Saturday, which runs until 4 September. Over 300 exhibitors have confirmed their participation. The US embassy is one of the exhibitors. The public will be able to access information on a range of services and programs, from how to apply for US visas and educational fellowships, to information on USAID, the Peace Corps, and the Centres for Disease Control. Chargé d’Affaires Jonathan Moore said this week-long visit would help to confirm US support in such areas as the fight against HIV/AIDS, expanded trade, the environment, and community development. This marks the first time that the US government has participated in the Ongwediva Trade Fair. During this time, Mr Moore will travel to US Government-supported projects in the Oshana and Omusati regions and will also be involved in various community outreach activities On Tuesday, August 31 at the Ongwediva Multi-Purpose Centre, Mr Moore will host a braaivleis for orphans and disadvantaged children who frequent the center, along with Ongwediva Town Council staff and project facilitators.