Kaleb Nghishidivali
Eenhana – Donations streamed in to assist two households from Okauva and Eengonyo villages in Ondobe constituency of Ohangwena region, whose homesteads were destroyed by fire recently.
The cause of the fire at Okauva remains unknown, while at Eengonyo, it was reportedly caused by a child who was playing with fire matches unsupervised.
No person was injured in both incidents.
The Swapo Party Women’s Council, Project HOPE, and other good Samaritans from different regions teamed up to render a helping hand to the two families.
Items donated last week Thursday included 60 bags of mahangu, two beds, mattresses and clothes.
The SPWC donated necessities worth N$10 000, while Project HOPE contributed items worth N$5 000.
In addition, the SPWC also built a zinc bedroom in Okauva for a senior victim Hilaria Hanyana, aged 98.
Speaking at the handover, SPWC secretary Eunice Iipinge said after seeing a video of the Okauva fire victims circulating on social media, they decided to donate money that was used to buy mahangu and source other basic necessities to help the victims.
“We should learn to love one another as a nation and develop the spirit of helping one another whenever we find ourselves in difficulties, because problems come to everyone anytime,” said Sheelongo, a neighbour to Hanyana, one of the victims.
Meanwhile, the fire victims of Eengonyo village Albertina Shaamena and her son Benhard Hamunyela urged the nation to ensure that anything that can cause fire is kept out of children’s sight and that the children themselves are educated about the danger of fire.
All the beneficiaries applauded the good Samaritans who came to their aid, saying the donations will go a long way. “We are thankful to what Cde Hilaria Ndjuluwa, the councillor of Ondobe constituency did for our family today and wish her to continue doing it for others who might find themselves in the same situations,” said Hamunyela.