Report to PM for drought relief - Mbumba

Tuyeimo Haidula
President Nangolo Mbumba has urged Namibians in need who have not received drought-relief food to report to the Office of the Prime Minister.

He made the call at the official opening of the third edition of the Ehao Cultural Expo in Okahao on Wednesday, which kicked off on 21 July under the theme ‘Where tradition meets opportunity’.

He said the expo finds Namibia in the midst of widespread drought, which has ravaged the agricultural capacity and sustenance of many farmers throughout the country. Mbumba added that government is doing all it can to save Namibians and their livelihood through drought-assistance interventions and the provision of emergency food.

“I hope that this assistance has reached all eligible beneficiaries. If not, please report to the offices of the governors in the regions where you are as well as the Office of the Prime Minister [Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila] so that people who are in real need can be assisted [in a timely manner],” he said.

Cultural heritage

According to the president, it is through initiatives like the expo that they can proudly declare Okahao as the ‘Home of rich heritage’.

“Our heritage is a treasure that must be protected and preserved for future generations. It is essential for our youth to understand and appreciate where we come from, as people cannot value and care for what they do not know. At the same time, cultural preservation and economic development must go hand in hand to ensure progress and innovation. All these are equally important,” he said, adding that, globally, there is a growing understanding that culture and heritage increasingly play an important role in nation-building.

Mbumba pointed out that culture has proven to be effective in improving the overall well-being and health of cultural participants as well as consumers.

The president further called on Namibians to visit the expo, to support local businesses, to use the opportunity to learn about various cultural norms and values, and to enjoy the traditional cuisines on offer. He also used the platform to call on eligible voters to utilise the remaining days to register to vote for their preferred parties and presidential candidates in November.

A prosperous life

Meanwhile, Ongandjera Traditional Authority chief Johannes Mupiya said government has a lot of responsibilities, and this not only includes ensuring employment creation. Therefore, the establishment of the Ehao expo allows people to create their own opportunities, he noted.

He added that government makes use of the available resources to see to it that every Namibian benefits, with the sole purpose of ensuring development in the country and ultimately helping all Namibians live a prosperous life.

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-24

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