ONGWEDIVA – The Oshakati Town Council commenced with its indoor residual spraying campaign at the beginning of this month. The programme will be conducted throughout the whole of Oshakati, and conclude on November 30 this year.

Oshakati Town Council CEO Timoteus Namwandi said the exercise aims to reduce the Anopheles mosquito population in the town.

Anopheles mosquitoes transmit malaria through their bites.

“Residents of Oshakati are urged to assist and cooperate with the officials who will be conducting house-to-house spraying in order to ensure that the areas are sprayed, especially the sleeping rooms,” he said.

He further advised residents to take precautions, such as using mosquito nets, and avoid having stagnant water around their residences to curb malaria transmission.

Namwandi urged residents to ensure that there are people on the premises during the morning for spraying officials to gain access.

“The officials on duty wear council uniforms, and are at all times with a council vehicle.Hence, the community should be vigilant against unauthorised persons pretending to be council workers,” he advised.

The CEO emphasised that the spraying is important to ensure total protection from mosquito bites. It is recommended that the occupants remain outside the structures for 10–30 minutes after the application of the chemical.

-vkaapanda@nepc.com.na