WINDHOEK- The Deputy Prime Minister Marco Hausiku feels dumping food and food wastage in Namibia, especially in urban areas, should be addressed as a matter of urgency to fight hunger.
Speaking at the World Food Day commemoration at Otjomuise he said the Office of the Prime Minister was in 2012 instructed by Cabinet to constitute a multi-stakeholder task force to investigate the possibilities of setting up food banks in urban areas.
He said at the event on Thursday that the purpose of a food bank is to preserve food that is fit for human consumption for distribution to identified needy communities, through identified agencies.
“The programme calls on the cooperation and support of the food markets who should donate food that is still fit for human consumption to food banks instead of dumping it,” he stated.
Hausiku also highlighted the importance of urban agriculture saying urban agriculture has not been fully explored in Namibia. This, he pointed out, is mainly because it is believed that rural areas cater for all the country’s agricultural needs.
“Last year’s drought has taught us that the contrary is true. Many of our people flocked to urban areas in search of better living conditions and food. Our duty is to plan and shape the urban agricultural system in ways that will alleviate hunger, end poverty and promote sustainable development,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.
City of Windhoek Mayor, Agnes Kafula, who also spoke at that event noted that local authorities in Namibia are confronted with the increasing number of urban dwellers looking for jobs and better living conditions.
“In this context, rapid urbanisation poses serious challenges for enhanced and sustained food production and distribution,” added Kafula. Further, the mayor said it is everyone’s responsibility to promote a functioning food system that fully meets national food security needs.
“As we gather here today to commemorate the World Food Day 2014, we must recognise that there are thousands of our residents who do not have access to food and nutrition required to lead a healthy and productive life,” Kafula further said.
She acknowledged the support that the City of Windhoek received from the corporate sector in organising the historic commemorative event.
To make the event a success, Shoprite donated vouchers worth N$600, Super Spar Maerua donated 50kg of rice, Namibia Beverage Company donated soft drinks, Pick n Pay Wernhil donated 30kg of rice, 14kg of potatoes, 14kg of oranges and 100 brötchens and Namib Mills 288 packets of 500g macaroni.
It was announced the food would be donated to identified feeding projects in Windhoek.
Kafula acknowledged and commended the work that businessman Kobi Alexander has done since 2008 by feeding 550 children at the Nathanael Maxuilili centre in Okahandja Park on a daily basis.
At Walvis Bay they feed 150 children and on World Food Day they fed 700 children. The event was observed under the theme ‘Family farming: feeding the world, caring for the earth.’