OSHAKATI - The persistent drought has not only affected farmers and rural communities but has also had a significant impact on urban areas, Oshana regional governor Elia Irimari said on Monday.

He was speaking during the handing over of food parcels by the Oshana Regional Council to the three local authorities of the region.

Irimari said many families are facing challenges in accessing sufficient food and necessities, leading to increased vulnerability and hardship.

A total of 12 790 people have so far registered to benefit from the drought relief programme. Of these, 6 560 people were registered in Oshakati with the remainder from Ongwediva. The figures for Ondangwa are not yet available.

Beneficiaries of the food parcels sponsored by the regional council were selected through applications. The chairperson of the Oshana Regional Committee, Andreas Uutoni, said the food consignment consists of 184 bags of maize meal, 184 bottles of cooking oil, and 737 cans of tinned fish which will be distributed in all the three local authority areas. He said 552 households are expected to benefit from the food parcels.

“We hope that this gesture fosters resilience within the communities and helps them navigate through these difficult times,” he said.

Uutoni said he trusts that the food parcels will reach the intended beneficiaries promptly and that it will provide them relief during this challenging period.

He encouraged local authorities and community leaders to oversee a transparent distribution process, ensuring that the assistance reaches those who need it the most. - Nampa