Irimari cautions motorists over damaged roads
Oshana governor Elia Irimari has expressed concern over the condition of roads in the region that have been damaged by floodwaters, cautioning motorists to be vigilant while driving.
At a media briefing at Oshakati over the weekend, Irimari said six important gravel roads, including Onamutoko-Onkani, Okapaya-Ohalushu and Oshuuli-Onaanda-Omapopo, have also suffered significant damage.
He said that key grazing areas in the Uuvudhiya, Ompundja and Uukwiyuushona constituencies are also cut off and farmers are using boats and Namibia Defence Force (NDF) helicopters to transport their commodities.
“The inhabitants rely on boats and the NDF helicopters for accessing basic services such as health outreach programmes, food and other basic needs,” Irimari explained.
Some community centres in the five constituencies of Ompundja, Uuvudhiya, Ongwediva, Okatana and Ondangwa Rural are also affected and not accessible.
Irimari said two boats have been deployed at Uuvudhiya – one at Ompundja and another at Okatjali.
He said most of the mahangu fields in this area are affected by the heavy rains, with some completely submerged.
Ready to assist
The governor said he is happy that no lives have been lost so far and that the region’s disaster risk management team is on the ground monitoring the situation as the water levels continue to rise.
“We are busy identifying highlands; should there be a need to relocate those severely affected,” he said, adding that inhabitants should reach out to his office for any assistance.
Irimari said mitigating disaster risks in the region requires a proactive and collaborative approach that includes early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, community education and sustainable environmental practices.
“Stakeholders must work together to improve effective disaster preparedness and response strategies,” he urged.
At a media briefing at Oshakati over the weekend, Irimari said six important gravel roads, including Onamutoko-Onkani, Okapaya-Ohalushu and Oshuuli-Onaanda-Omapopo, have also suffered significant damage.
He said that key grazing areas in the Uuvudhiya, Ompundja and Uukwiyuushona constituencies are also cut off and farmers are using boats and Namibia Defence Force (NDF) helicopters to transport their commodities.
“The inhabitants rely on boats and the NDF helicopters for accessing basic services such as health outreach programmes, food and other basic needs,” Irimari explained.
Some community centres in the five constituencies of Ompundja, Uuvudhiya, Ongwediva, Okatana and Ondangwa Rural are also affected and not accessible.
Irimari said two boats have been deployed at Uuvudhiya – one at Ompundja and another at Okatjali.
He said most of the mahangu fields in this area are affected by the heavy rains, with some completely submerged.
Ready to assist
The governor said he is happy that no lives have been lost so far and that the region’s disaster risk management team is on the ground monitoring the situation as the water levels continue to rise.
“We are busy identifying highlands; should there be a need to relocate those severely affected,” he said, adding that inhabitants should reach out to his office for any assistance.
Irimari said mitigating disaster risks in the region requires a proactive and collaborative approach that includes early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, community education and sustainable environmental practices.
“Stakeholders must work together to improve effective disaster preparedness and response strategies,” he urged.
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