KUNENE – The new governor for Kunene, Vipuakuje Muharukua, has hit the ground running as heavy rains and floods have visited the region in proportions never seen before.
Some locals and social media commentators have jokingly referred to him as the ‘one who came with the rain’ in a region that has endured perennial droughts since 2007.
However, on Friday, shortly after an official ceremony to welcome Muharukua to the new office, after receiving his office keys from his predecessor, National Assembly member Marius Sheya, heavy rains and floods descended on Opuwo.
For the past few days, the areas of Okatuuo and Katutura, have been facing severe flooding due to rapidly rising rain water levels.
It is a reality Muharukua, as political head of the region, must confront head-on. He said there will be no time for rest, as his region has been severely affected by floods because he will commit to ensuring quality service delivery.
He made these remarks on Saturday during a visit to various areas impacted by the floods.
He emphasised that everything is well-organised, including logistics for delivering food to flood victims.
“I will ensure that people receive food. No one in the Kunene should die of hunger,” he added.
Muharukua urged the people to trust him as the head of the region, stating that he understands the needs of his people.
The Namibian Defence Force has sent two helicopters to the region to transport essential supplies to flood-affected areas.
The governor highlighted that the region has been severely impacted by the massive inflow of water following heavy rains in recent weeks, with both urban and rural residents suffering greatly.
He reported that 38 houses in Opuwo town had been flooded and that the affected people urgently required assistance.
“Some of the affected houses in the villages are numerous. Access roads have been blocked by water, making it challenging to deliver food to those areas,” he said.
Muharukua, accompanied by deputy education and sport minister Dino Ballotti, Swapo chief whip in the National Assembly and deputy secretary general Uahekua Herunga, Opuwo Town Council member Ruth Nderura and Swapo regional coordinator Julius Kaujova, was on the ground to assess the flooded areas.
“[We are] cautioning all road users and residents in our respective constituencies not to attempt crossing rivers or pools of water. Together with our governor, we responded to an alarming situation happening currently in Opuwo to see how we can assist affected communities,” Sheya told residents.
Last week, authorities warned people living along the Kunene River to evacuate to higher ground as water levels continued to rise. Already, several schools in the northern part of the country have been closed while hundreds of households have been relocated.
Despite the challenges of blocked roads, Muharukua gave an assurance that food will still reach those in need.
The governor said he had invited the Ministry of Works and Transport to the region to discuss road challenges.
“I will ensure proper access to roads leading to schools and clinics so that teachers and healthcare workers can be delivered to their posts on time,” he added.
Muharukua stressed that the youth are fortunate to have him as governor, as he will introduce them to new opportunities, such as green schemes across the country.
“I will meet youths from different constituencies to identify unemployed individuals and find viable solutions,” he added.
The governor emphasised that youth empowerment is crucial for enabling young people to create jobs.
He also noted the tragic incident last year when a woman and her daughter drowned while attempting to cross a river to reach the clinic.
He urged residents to avoid crossing flooded rivers, whether by motor vehicle or on foot.