By Anna Shilongo
WINDHOEK
The evacuation of people in the north goes on with more people in need of assistance as water levels continue rising.
According to the Namibian Red Cross Society Secretary General, Dorkas Kapembe-Haiduwa, the situation in the north-west is under control, but more still needs to be done in case of future disasters.
So far, the Red Cross Society has evacuated 179 people at Oshikango, 60 people at Outapi and 697 people in the Oshana Region.
Haiduwa said people in Ohangwena Region need clean water and sanitation. The Red Cross Society has thus appealed to prospective donors for help.
In response to the appeal, BP Namibia pledged N$6 000 worth of fuel to the Red Cross recently.
“As you may know, distances between places are also long and require extensive travelling. The funds will be shared on an equal basis between the two areas of operation, Caprivi and the regions in the north-west,” she said. The fuel will also be used for generators used at the site where the victims have been settled.
“Please be assured that this donation is going to be used the way you intend it to be used, and we will ensure you account for every drop (of fuel),” said the secretary general.
This is not the first time BP Namibia is responding to a Red Cross appeal. In 2006 during the National Immunisation Campaign, BP Namibia was among the companies that supported the campaign.
Against that background, the secretary general awarded BP a certificate of appreciation.
Receiving the certificate, BP Namibia Managing Director Sibu Zulu said it is his company’s social responsibility to reach out to the most vulnerable in society.
“This is a natural disaster. Nobody planned it and it calls for all people with hearts to contribute towards the welfare of affected victims,” said Zulu.
“All of us are affected directly or indirectly by the recent floods in the north and north-eastern parts of the country,” he added.
The Namibian Red Cross Society is tasked with providing a range of services including disaster relief, health and social programmes.