Dire need prompts drought relief for Oshana

Lack of adequate rainfall in the northern regions has affected subsistence farmers so severely that plans are already underway to roll out drought relief in the Oshana Region, with around 13 000 beneficiaries already registered.This figure was announced by Oshana governor Elia Irimari on Tuesday when the regional council handed over food parcels to affected households within Ongwediva, Oshakati and Ondangwa.A total of 12 790 people have so far registered to benefit from the drought relief programme. Of those, 6 560 people were registered in Oshakati, with the remaining number in Ongwediva. The figures for Ondangwa are not yet available.Challenging timesIrimari said many families are facing challenges in accessing sufficient food and basic necessities, leading to increased vulnerability and hardship.He said the persistent drought has not only affected farmers and rural communities but has also had a significant impact on urban areas.“Many families are facing challenges in accessing sufficient food and basic necessities, leading to increased vulnerability and hardship. I am informed a total of 6 560 people have been registered in Oshakati alone and this number will triple if you add Ondangwa and Ongwediva,” he said.Work togetherIn times like these, Irimari said it is heart-warming to see the solidarity and support from various stakeholders, both within the country and internationally. He said the donation is a testament to the compassion and goodwill that exist within society.He urged local authorities responsible for the distribution of supplies to ensure that they reach those who are most in need and that food is distributed fairly.“Let us prioritise the well-being of our people and work together to provide the necessary support and resources during those challenging times, while acknowledging the scorching drought within our communities,” Irimari said.Support available He reminded farmers that the ploughing season has arrived and that there are various government subsidies available through the agriculture ministry aimed at food production and maximising harvests, such as the availability of tractors and many others.He also reminded communities to consider ventures such as backyard gardens. "Especially during the rainy season, there is good potential for small-scale production of vegetables for house consumption and resale,” Irimari said.Helping those in needThe chairperson of the Oshana regional committee, Andreas Uutoni, said the food parcels include maize meal, cooking oil and tinned fish.Uutoni said 552 households are expected to benefit from the food parcels.“I am confident in our resolve that together we can provide relief supplies consisting of essential food items that are intended to provide immediate support to food insecure residents in urban centres,” he said.As the supplies were handed over, Uutoni said they trusted that the parcels would reach the intended beneficiaries promptly and that they would provide some relief during “this challenging period.”He encouraged local authorities and community leaders to oversee a transparent distribution process, ensuring that the assistance reaches those who need it the most.

Dire need prompts drought relief for Oshana

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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Dire need prompts drought relief for Oshana

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-04

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