Govt avails help for Windhoek flood victims

The government has stepped in to assist the City of Windhoek in supporting victims of the weekend's flash floods. The Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Urban and Rural Development, and the Khomas Regional Council are all involved in these efforts.According to Mekeloye Lao Nambili, spokesperson for the Khomas Regional Council, the municipality is taking the lead in improving the conditions for approximately 282 affected households. The city has allocated land on Farm 508, located between Goreangab and the Ongos Valley development, where temporary housing is being established for the 1,189 residents who were left homeless. By yesterday afternoon, eight 5-meter by 5-meter tents had been erected, with plans to set up a total of 50 tents, confirmed City of Windhoek spokesperson Lydia Amutenya.The Office of the Prime Minister has provided food parcels, which were distributed on Monday in Otjomuise to the worst-affected individuals. These food parcels are distributed once per household by the regional council. Additionally, the Prime Minister's office is supplying tents and mattresses.Two community toilets in Agste Laan were washed away by the floodwaters and still need to be replaced. Efforts are also underway to clean riverbeds to prevent future flooding incidents.An awareness campaign will soon be launched to educate residents about areas in the capital that are most vulnerable to flash floods. Residents are also being reminded not to build homes in river courses. Community activist Shaun Gariseb has approached the municipality about other flood-prone areas in Windhoek, including the area behind Namibia Primary School in Marula and Rykmansdorp. A small community near the river in Grysblok faced severe risks during the flash floods, with a bridge there nearly washed away by the floodwaters.In Sonderwater, located in Shandumbala, Katutura East, residents live directly under high-voltage power lines, which Gariseb says poses a significant danger. He also highlighted that some residents have been camping in the riverbed in Herero Location at the intersection of Mungunda and August Tjaapa Streets since last year. Additionally, a group of residents in a settlement known as Eiland on Clemence Kapuuo Street faced life-threatening conditions during Friday's floods.– augetto@nmh-hub.com.na

Govt avails help for Windhoek flood victims

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-07

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Govt avails help for Windhoek flood victims

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-07

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