Bank Windhoek donates to Oshana floodvictims

BANK Windhoek on Tuesday donated more than 700 food items to 196 flood victims from 41 households at Oshakati.

The items included tinned fish, flour and cooking oil.

The floodvictims have been relocated to the Ehenye Relocation Centre at Oshakati.

Speaking at the donation ceremony at the office of the Oshana governor, Elia Irimari, Bank Windhoek’s head of stakeholder engagement and sponsorship, Bronwyn Moody, said the donation is worth N$175 000.

“We recognise the effect of climate change on Namibia’s most vulnerable communities, and we hope our gesture makes a difference,” she said.

Moody said although the floodwater has subsided, the victims are still affected as they go back to their homes.

On that basis, she said the bank found it fit to assist with donations as the victims now have to rebuild their lives.

Irimari said the food is part of the psychological therapy of those affected by the flood.

Last week deputy prime minister Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said 362 households in the Ohangwena region, and 86 households in the Oshana region have been affected by flood.

According to her, 93 households in the Ohangwena region, and 52 households in the Oshana region are still housed at temporary relocation sites.

“The office facilitated relief support, which included temporary shelter, food assistance, and medical care. All affected schools have since resumed,” she said.

Nandi-Ndaitwah said the drought-relief programme will continue in the Kunene region, parts of the Erongo region, and parts of the Omusati region until the end of this month.

“In addition, this programme will also cater for relief of N$72 million to support households affected by the floods in the Ohangwena, Oshana and Omusati regions. This support will be extended up to May 2024.