We need to be asked before acting on emergencies: NDF

THE Namibian Defence Force (NDF) cannot take a pro-active approach when natural disasters affect civilians, as in the case of the recent floods in the capital.

Instead the NDF waits to be asked by civilian authorities to get involved, a Defence Ministry spokesperson said. The role of the NDF in emergency situations came under the spotlight when some residents in the capital were forced out of their homes and lost their belongings as a result of the flooding of the Arebbusch river.When approached for comment, Defence spokesperson Major Monica Sheeya said it was not the main function of the NDF to assist in such situations.The army could provide assistance “only by request from the civil authorities”, she added.Sheeya said the NDF had not been asked to assist in the case of the recent floods.She said the NDF was part of the Government’s Emergency Management Unit (EMU) and, if a crisis arose, then they would be involved in giving assistance through this mechanism.She said the NDF provided transport during floods, fires or drought to the communities if the army was called upon.Sheeya said contingency plans were centralised and regulated by the Office of the Prime Minister.* Meanwhile, Natasha Rabe, a resident of Acacia affected by the recent floods, complained about the reluctance of the Windhoek Fire Brigade’s Emergency Services to heed their calls.She said some members of the Fire Brigade had been unable to help her family who were trapped in their house.Head of Operations of the Emergency Services Sydney Theron denied the claim.He said they had responded to most calls that came from people trapped by the flooding.”We made sure to rescue all who were trapped as well as removing cars that were in the river,” he said.He said 20 staff had worked to alleviate the situation, while between 20 to 25 were on standby.The role of the NDF in emergency situations came under the spotlight when some residents in the capital were forced out of their homes and lost their belongings as a result of the flooding of the Arebbusch river. When approached for comment, Defence spokesperson Major Monica Sheeya said it was not the main function of the NDF to assist in such situations. The army could provide assistance “only by request from the civil authorities”, she added. Sheeya said the NDF had not been asked to assist in the case of the recent floods. She said the NDF was part of the Government’s Emergency Management Unit (EMU) and, if a crisis arose, then they would be involved in giving assistance through this mechanism. She said the NDF provided transport during floods, fires or drought to the communities if the army was called upon. Sheeya said contingency plans were centralised and regulated by the Office of the Prime Minister. * Meanwhile, Natasha Rabe, a resident of Acacia affected by the recent floods, complained about the reluctance of the Windhoek Fire Brigade’s Emergency Services to heed their calls. She said some members of the Fire Brigade had been unable to help her family who were trapped in their house. Head of Operations of the Emergency Services Sydney Theron denied the claim. He said they had responded to most calls that came from people trapped by the flooding. “We made sure to rescue all who were trapped as well as removing cars that were in the river,” he said. He said 20 staff had worked to alleviate the situation, while between 20 to 25 were on standby.