By Staff Reporter
WINDHOEK
Cabinet has approved N$37.5 million from the Contingency Provision from the 2007/8 financial year to cater for the distribution of fish products and other drought commodities to affected households.
Making the announcement last week, Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, said a further N$180 million was also approved for the National Emergency and Drought Fund/Account in the Office of the Prime Minister to cater for six months of drought relief in the 2008/9 financial year.
“It is hoped that the remainder of the rainy season will bring some relief and that the drought situation will not worsen in months to come,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said.
She said Cabinet had deliberated the effects of the floods in the Caprivi, Omusati, Oshana and Ohangwena regions.
An assessment has revealed that more than 450 kilometres were affected by the floods, with roads and other vital infrastructure damaged and a large number of the northern population affected by the heavy rains emanating from Angola.
According to Nandi-Ndaitwah, 841 people (641 adults and 200 children) are affected by the floods in Oshakati and are currently in the care of the town council and the Oshana Regional Council.
These people, she said, are housed in the Ongwediva Trade Fair grounds and tents provided by the Government at the Independence Stadium.
Twenty schools in the Okatana, Oshakati West, Uuvudhiya, Oshakati East, Ongwediva and Ompundja constituencies have been closed, leaving 161 teachers and 1??????’??