WINDHOEK – The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia yesterday donated N$80 000 in support of the national drough relief effort.
The money will be used to assist thousands of vulnerable people in Namibia who are food insecure as a result of a ravaging drought that is affecting the entire country.
According to Rosemary Nalisa the Resource Mobilization Coordinator of the Namibia Red Cross Society, this year alone from February to August 15 the Red Cross received N$9.6 million from both local and international donors. The Ambassador of the Republic of Indonisia to Namibia Agustinus Sumartono said the donation is a form of deep-felt sympathy and solidarity with those Namibians who have been affected by the worst drought in thirty years.
“We hope that this donation may help alleviate the suffering caused by the drought,” he said. Sumartono said Indonesia received assistance from Namibia following the devastating tsunami of late 2004, on the west coast of Sumatra hence the decision to make the donation with funds earmarked to celebrate their Independence Day tomorrow – August 17.
“Instead of having a diplomatic reception we decided to help the needy people who are suffering from drought through the Red Cross Society, because we can have a diplomatic reception every year,” said the Indonesian Ambassador. Dorkas Kapembe-Haiduwa the Secretary General of the Namibia Red Cross Society said the donation is a wonderful gesture from the Indonesians and she is thankful for that country’s continuous support.
Story by Loide Jason