Julia Kamarenga

Hundreds of mourners gathered at the Otjinene constituency office on Tuesday to pay homage to all those who succumbed to Covid-19 and to also witness the unveiling of the memorial wall that is erected in their honour.

The memorial wall, which hosts 74 names of Covid-19 victims, is named after Mbamunondjamo Kaahangoro, who was the first constituency resident to succumb to the pandemic.

Regional councillor Erwin Katjizeu described 2021 as a sorrowful year that created so much anxiety and anguish amongst the residents.

Katjizeu says the pain of not burying the loved ones, as was the case during the peak of the pandemic between June and July 2021, sunk deep and, therefore, a healing process needs to be effected – and he hopes that the wall will help in that regard.

He says the pandemic caused panic, emptied the streets and brought about a sore breeze of silence from household levels, extending to the town.

Governor Pijoo Nganate reported that Omaheke lost about 326 inhabitants, a number that constituted the highest percentage of Covid-19-related deaths countrywide, given the demographics of our country.

To date, Namibia lost 4 060 people to the pandemic that wreaked havoc since March 2020. 

Last Friday, the government called an end to restrictions, aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus. 

However, officials urged basic precautions like hand sanitising be observed throughout. 

Nganate, who referred to the current surge of Covid-19 hospitalisations that is being experienced in America, reminded the community that the battle is not over yet, and urged them to be vaccinated and avoid being caught unprepared.

He also extended a word of thanks to the regional leadership, who worked around the clock to mobilise funds and equipment that helped save many lives.

The governor handed over all equipment and items that were donated towards the community isolation centre to the Otjinene clinic.

Being the first of its kind, the memorial wall will serve as a historical tourism attraction with many references with regard to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Family members, friends and the community members at large, who gathered at the event, welcomed the initiative and gave praise to everyone who played a role and ensured the idea unfolds smoothly.