Rain victims start over

At the farthest edge of Windhoek, atop a hill beyond the last of the corrugated iron houses, Justina Thomas and her husband Shikongo Vaino were working tirelessly yesterday. The couple is striving to make their family of eight, including two five-year-olds, as comfortable as possible in a 5m x 5m tent before the darkness of evening settles.The family, who had lived in Otjomuise’s Sewende Laan since 2009, lost their home and possessions to stormwaters during the weekend’s heavy rains and flash floods.One of the children drinks from a water jug while Justina spreads their bedding on the ground to dry. The nearest tap is several hundred meters away, uphill and downhill. No toilets have been set up, and the only power comes from small solar panels placed on the ground behind the tents.The floodlights provided by the municipality for nearby neighborhoods do not reach the resettlement site. Despite these challenges, the family was among the first to arrive at the temporary site, where mattresses were distributed to help them settle in.Temporary shelter“They feel better now, after we were brought here,” Justina said about her children’s mood. Her husband works with a shovel while a family member, Matias Shapange, uses a rake to create some order around the tent.A single excavator was seen leveling the ground behind the first eight tents, where more of the planned 50 tents will be set up. Nearby, a flattened area of land is being prepared for families who managed to salvage some of their corrugated iron sheets and poles to rebuild their homes.Concerns about accessibilityKhomas regional council chairman Shaalukeni John Moonde noted that many flood victims are reluctant to move to the remote site. Their concerns include a lack of access to health facilities, schools, and transport.Relief efforts underwayThe Windhoek municipality is leading the relief efforts, supported by the office of the prime minister, which has provided tents, mattresses, and food parcels. Distribution of food parcels began on Monday and Tuesday to assist the displaced families.Chief regional officer Clement Mafwila shared plans to establish a clinic, a school, and a satellite police station near the resettlement site, with fencing expected to begin within three months.Ongoing challengesWindhoek council member Ivan Skrywer emphasized the urgent need to relocate more flood victims, given the potential for further rains. Independent Patriots for Change member Imms Nashinge, who visited the site yesterday, described the situation as still being “sad,” underscoring the challenging conditions faced by the displaced families.

Rain victims start over

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-12

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Rain victims start over

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-12

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