KEETMANSHOOP - Residents of Aroab, a village southeast of Keetmanshoop in the //Kharas region, endured heavy losses due to damage caused to their homes by heavy rains and strong winds last week.

Kota de Jay told New Era his house’s entire roof was lifted off and some walls were destroyed during the freak storm. “Materials to repair my house will cost me N$45 000, excluding labour, “ he said. 

The concerned resident said, as a result of the storm, his family was forced to look for alternative accommodation. 

“My fear now is that my belongings inside the house might get stolen and also that my house will be ruined inside once more rains come,” he said.  He called for assistance of any kind to repair the damages.

Another resident, Vera Gollie said her boundary wall and three pillars were destroyed by the heavy rains and strong winds. 

“When I constructed the wall two years ago, it cost N$25 000 and I believe it will be much higher now,” she said. 

Gollie added that because the wall is destroyed, she has to leave her valuable items outside and unprotected during the daytime when going to work and also that her dogs might leave and get lost. 

She also, like De Jay, requested those who are financially capable to assist her to repair the damages incurred. When approached for comment, Keetmanshoop Rural constituency councillor, Gerrit Witbooi said he visited the affected properties.  “I hereby call on fortunate residents to extend a helping hand to these fellow residents who endured big losses and will furthermore look into how my office might come on board to assist,” he said. – sklukowski@nepc.com.na