WINDHOEK – An Algerian Air Force cargo plane early this week delivered 32 tons of rice, cooking oil, sugar, canned fish and biscuits worth N$10 million for drought victims
The huge consignment that included energy biscuits and pasta is mearnt for the over 900 000 Namibians affected by drought and arrived aboard the cargo carrier through Hosea Kutako International Airport.
Algeria’s contribution that followed Algerian President Abdelaziz Buteflika’s directive counts among the largest food consignments donated to Namibia for drought relief.
Prime Minister Dr Hage Geingob personally received the consignment from the Algerian Ambassador to Namibia Lahcene Kaid Slimane who was also at the airport.
Also in attendance were Secretary to Cabinet Frans Kapofi, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the P.M Nangula Mbako, the Director of the Emergency Risk Management Unit (ERMU) Japhet Itenge and Namibian Red Cross (NRCS) Secretary General Dorkas Nepembe- Haiduwa. Namibian Defence Force (NDF) soldiers collected the food donation from the airport.
Speaking during the official handover Dr Geingob conveyed his appreciation to the Algerian people and reminded Namibians the role Algeria played during the bitter and long liberation struggle.
“Solidarity with Algeria comes a long way. We are a child of international solidarity, but more so of African solidarity. That’s why we are happy. This donation is much appreciated. Please send back our message to thank the people of Algeria,” said the Prime Minister.
Algerian Ambassador to Namibia Lahcene Kaid Slimane said the gesture came as a result of “the decision of the President of the Republic of Algeria, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, and under the traditional solidarity consistently shown towards the brotherly and friendly countries.”
“By this act of solidarity, Algeria contributing is to help alleviate the suffering endured by the people of Namibia that is hit hard by the negative consequences of exceptionally bad weather,” said the Algerian diplomat.
Ambassador Slimane said the humanitarian aid from Algeria to Namibia is about 32 tons of rice, cooking oil, sugar, canned fish and pasta worth around N$10 million. “As you know, Algeria and Namibia enjoy historical and excellent relations. By this donation, the Algerian Government, under its traditional solidarity towards the brotherly countries, wants to show its deep solidarity with Namibia in the difficult time of the worst drought in 30 years, the negative consequences of exceptionally bad weather and climate change.
“It is a wonderful and symbolic gesture from the Algerian people to the Namibian people, in particular to assist those affected by a drought. A friend in need is a friend indeed,” said the Algerian ambassador.
Slimane further wished to express his government’s contunued support to the great efforts of Namibia, under the auspices of the Prime Minister to manage this difficult crisis in order to assist the people affected by drought.
“I would like to reiterate the will of the Algerian Government to strengthen its relations of friendship, cooperation and solidarity with Namibia, a brother country,” he further told the handing-over ceremony.
By Fifi Rhodes