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Relocated residents fear property theft

Relocated residents fear property theft

Auleria Wakudumo 

While the government is trying its best to provide for those who are affected, many of the victims are scared that they will find their properties not only destroyed by flood, but also stolen by thieves. 

More than 100 residents of the Onanhinda village in the Ohangwena region who have been relocated to higher ground expressed that the situation surrounding the flood has left them vulnerable.

One of the women, Ndeyapo Shifidi (40), recalled what she describes as one of the
most unforgettable moments of her life in 2022 when she returned to her home after the flood, only to discover that her fence had been dismantled and all her properties had been stolen. 

“When I returned home, I found everything gone, including the fence. The place I once called home was just an open space with exposed rooms. I found the rooms broken into as well, and all the valuable things I had worked so hard for were stolen,” Shifidi said. 

“I cried endlessly that day. I questioned God, asking ‘why me?’ I felt so helpless and lost,” she recalled. 

She expressed that she is still haunted by the same nightmare, as she wonders if she’ll find her belongings gone once again. 

Adolf Rachel, a 21-year-old girl recalled how they found all the beds stolen upon returning from the relocation tents in 2022. 

The relocated group, mostly consisting of women, young girls and boys, shared that their properties became prime targets for thieves whenever they were relocated due to flood. 

Refused 

A group of elderly women told New Era that their husbands refused to join them at the tents because they are protecting the properties and also because there is lack of privacy at the tents. 

The governor of Ohangwena region, Sebastian Ndeitunga said they have instructed elders who are able to cross the water to check up on their houses and animals regularly. 

“However, we will discuss the issue with the police, and see if the police can perhaps be checking up on the flooded victims’ properties regularly to avoid loss of properties,” Ndeitunga added. 

He said flood victims will unfortunately not receive luxuries such as privacy, as the government is still relocating more people. 

Ndeitunga stated that the tents are not enough to accommodate every family in one tent. Although they received tents yesterday, they will be distributed to Ongenga, Engela and Oshikango constituencies to relocate the affected residents. 

“Luxury will not be accommodated for now, as we are still dealing with the basics like providing tents for the relocated people, food, toilets and firewood,” he said. 

-wakudumoauleria@gmail.com