Lawmakers in the National Council have called for an emergency plan to respond to the impending drought, which they say has already affected many due to a lack of rainfall.

The MPs in the House of Review are currently discussing the 2023–2024 budget, referred to it by the National Assembly.

MPs stressed the urgent need for an emergency plan that would provide immediate relief to communities affected by the drought.

They expressed concern over its impact on agriculture, noting that low rainfall has led to crop failures and left many farmers struggling to feed their families and livestock.

"There is a national disaster in this country; there is drought everywhere. Namibia is known as a dry country, and there is clear evidence of drought. I appeal to President Hage Geigob to declare a state of emergency on the drought in terms of Article 26 of the Namibian Constitution," urged Paulus Mbangu from the Rundu Rural Constituency.

Peter Kazonfominja, the Councilor for the Aminius Constituency, added that "Namibia is one of the driest countries; drought to us is not a surprise, so when we are preparing our budget, we should know that drought is something that will be there."

Adding his voice to the discussion was Abner Shikongo, Councilor for the Oshakati East Constituency, who called on the government to address the shortages of food for all affected people through the budget.

The Finance Minister, Iipumbu Shiimi, tabled a budget of N$84.6 billion for 2023 and 2024 in February.