Swakopmund - Swakop Uranium (SU) has made N$200 000 available to the National Emergency Disaster Relief Fund to assist the government with its humanitarian efforts to provide relief for northern flood victims.

The donation was handed over last week by SU CEO Qiu Bin to Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila in Swakopmund.

Thousands of families have been displaced by the floods since last month, thereby increasing the need for humanitarian assistance to Namibians living in hard-hit regions such as Ohangwena.

Statistics from the Ohangwena Regional Council show that over 1 300 families are affected by the floods, of which 14
 households and 116 people were already relocated to higher ground.

So far, six schools in the region have closed, subsequently leaving 4 146 learners trapped in their homes.

Bin said at the handover that they are aware that government, despite many challenges, continues to assist the citizens, in particular the poor and needy.

“Thousands of citizens have recently
been displaced by the floods in the North. It is for this reason that we decided to make this contribution so that the government can continue with its humanitarian efforts,” he added. He applauded the government for sound leadership since independence, which he said provided a clear regulatory framework to build a prosperous Namibia.

“SU is thankful for a positive relationship, and it’s manifested in this gesture. Our operations will continue for another 20 years. Hence, it is important for us to assist the government, which is allowing us to build a positive legacy for the country, as a good corporate citizen,” Bin noted.

Erongo governor Neville Andre
applauded the gesture, saying SU was making an impact through their social corporate responsibility arm not only in Erongo, but throughout the whole country.

“We are grateful that they acknowledge the role they play in our society, and also for the part they play in assisting our community through employment, training and humanitarian aid,” he observed.

Accepting the donation, Kuugongelwa-Amadhila thanked the company for acknowledging government’s efforts to
assist needy Namibians. She added that the donation will supplement the ongoing attempts to address the challenges experienced by people after the northern floods. 

“Thank you for acknowledging what we are doing as a government, and for the assistance you are rendering to us,” she said during the ceremony.