President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah acknowledged the harsh and challenging reality faced by those displaced by the recent floods, recognising the emotional and physical toll it has taken on individuals and families. 

Despite these hardships, she called for unity, resilience, and solidarity among the affected communities, urging them to remain hopeful as the government works to provide relief and long-term solutions.

“These centres are temporary shelters, and I urge everyone, especially those assisting with aid distribution, to take good care of the food and resources provided. Let us maintain cleanliness to prevent the spread of disease and protect our communities,” she said while addressing flood victims at a relocation centre in Ohangwena yesterday.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah said people should focus on keeping their communities healthy to avoid unnecessary hospital visits and to help prevent overcrowding at clinics and hospitals.

Yesterday, Nandi-Ndaitwah arrived at Etunda Relocation Centre in the Omusati Region as part of her regional visits to assess the situation and progress at centres established as temporary accommodations for communities affected by recent floods in the northern regions.

The Etunda Relocation Centre hosts 68 households, which is 484 individuals. The President will continued her visits to relocation centres in the Ohangwena and Oshana regions to engage with affected families and monitor ongoing government response efforts.

She engaged with displaced residents at Ehenye in the Oshana Region, Onamhinda B, and Ohangwena Relocation Centre in the Ohangwena Region.

Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasised the government’s commitment to a coordinated response, following the Cabinet’s directive for all institutions to work together in addressing the floods’ impact.

“Floods and rains can not be stopped, but we must find ways to stay safe,” she said.

“Many of the affected individuals include children, women, pregnant women, and people living with disabilities. Most have not only been displaced from their homes but their crop fields have also been destroyed by the floods,” she indicated.

Nandi-Ndaitwah reassured the public that arrangements are underway to ensure children missing out on their opportunity for classes due to flood disruption to continue learning, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.

The head of state further encouraged regional leaders to plan for long-term solutions, including education infrastructure, to mitigate the impact of future floods. 

“We must work together and support our leaders. When we are united, services will reach the people, and our country will move forward,” stated NNN.

–psiririka@nepc.com.na