Government ready to assist Efundja victims(…but unable to quantify floods impact on National Disaster Risk Fund )

The Namibian government has assured communities at risk of water flooding that it is fully prepared to offer both financial and logistical assistance, should the need arise.
I-Ben Nashandi, Executive Director in the Office of the Prime Minister, confirmed the government’s readiness in an interview with Confidente on Thursday.
He, however, did not reveal the specific fund targeted for this particular development.
Nashandi explained that while the government is currently unable to quantify the precise impact of the flooding on the National Disaster Risk Fund, it has mechanisms in place to respond promptly and effectively.
“If that need comes, we will have to see how best to deal with it. All we are saying is that we are ready financially and logistically to assist families and communities that may find themselves in this situation,” he stated.
The government’s commitment to assisting those affected by flooding follows the rising water levels observed in the Oshana, Oshikoto, Ohangwena, and Omusati regions, particularly in the western Cuvelai areas.
Flooding can have devastating effects, including displacement, loss of property, damage to infrastructure, and health risks, as well as disruptions to local businesses.
As such, Nashandi said the government is monitoring the situation closely and remains prepared to relocate affected families if necessary.
He emphasised the importance of vigilance, especially since floodwaters do not typically rise suddenly but rather gradually.
“We really want to urge the communities also to be vigilant. When you see that the water is increasing or recycling around your house, you need to move out so that you do not become trapped in that situation,” he advised.
He further said the Office of the Prime Minister is working in close collaboration with the Regional Disaster Risk Management Committee in the affected areas to monitor the evolving situation.
Authorities are encouraged to issue warnings to households and communities that may be at risk.
“We are working hand in hand to ensure that we do not record fatalities when the situation could be prevented. We will ensure we provide assistance to those who may be in need,” Nashandi assured.
FLOODS LOOMING
Reports of floodwaters have been confirmed in parts of the Oshana and Omusati regions, especially in the western Cuvelai areas.
Oshakati Mayor Leonard Hango confirmed on Tuesday that heavy rainfall had led to active water flows in the Onekehe, Okalongo, Onembaba, Okanwa, Epoko, and Onelago areas. Fishing activities have been reported in these flooded zones.
Despite the flood activity in these regions, Hango pointed out that other water bodies, including the Oshigambo River and Ohaingu streams, have not experienced significant flooding.
Additional flood-related concerns have emerged in Okatyali, Uukwiyuushona, and Etayi constituencies, with local residents, such as Uukwiyu resident Sem Niiye, expressing worries about the large volumes of water flowing southward, potentially coming from Angola.
In contrast, Oshikoto Region Governor Penda Ya Ndakolo reported no flooding in his area.
“I did not receive any reports of flooding in our region. I moved from Oniipa to Omuthiya, and the water is just standing,” he explained, noting that the excess rainfall was a sign of beneficial precipitation.
In response to last month’s warnings from the Namibia Meteorological Service about potential flash floods, Chief Forecaster Odillo Kgobetsi urged residents in flood-prone areas to stay alert, avoid crossing fast-moving waters, and follow safety guidelines to reduce the risk of accidents.
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