Auleria Wakudumo
Victoria Immanuel
The Oshikoto Regional Council has started distributing rice to vulnerable households following a donation from South Korea.
Council’s spokesperson Petrus Nehale stated that a total of 9 203 bags of rice (40kg) have been allocated to Oshikoto through the Office of the Prime Minister.
“We have started distributing the rice, and so far things are moving smoothly. We want to make sure that all vulnerable people in the region receive this support,” he said.
So far, more than 4 320 bags have already been received at the regional warehouse in Omuthiya. Distribution has successfully started in the Guinas and Oniipa constituencies, where many households have already benefited.
Nehale added that the rice will be distributed to all 11 constituencies in Oshikoto.
“Beneficiaries are identified from the drought relief list. Food is shared according to the number of people registered in each constituency,” Nehale explained.
He revealed that the council plans to distribute to more than 46 000 households.
The council is also calling on communities to ensure that roads are in good condition so that trucks can reach all areas easily.
“We ask communities to help keep roads accessible so that food can reach everyone without delays,” he said.
The rice donation valued at N$61 million, includes 4 896 tonnes of rice produced in South Korea and donated to Namibia and is expected to benefit about 300 000 people.
Speaking at the official handover last week, Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare stressed Namibia’s commitment to ensuring food security across the country. He said the government aims to become self-sufficient in food production.
The remaining rice will be distributed to other Namibians who are in short supply of food, as the OPM sees fit.
Ngurare also highlighted ongoing agricultural projects, including a debushing project in Otjombinde, in the Omaheke region, where young people are working the land with support from partners like the World Food Programme.