Oshana Governor Elia Irimari says the persistent drought has a significant negative impact on families in urban centres within his region and that they too deserve to get food aid to help them get through the drought.

Against this background, the Oshana Regional Council found it fit to hand over food parcels valued at N$135,000 to three of its local authorities.

The towns of Ongwediva, Ondangwa, and Oshakati received 737 tinned fish as well as 184 bottles of cooking oil and 10 kg bags of maize meal to assist the families in these towns in getting a meal on their tables.

Irimari says the donation will go towards a drought relief programme to cater to those in urban centres, while calling on the councillors to distribute the food fairly.

"I urge you to ensure that they reach those who are in the most need and that the food is distributed fairly. Let's prioritise the well-being of our people and work together to provide the necessary support and resources during those trying times."

The initiative seeks to elevate pressing challenges in urban centres, especially in informal settlements where people are languishing in poverty and equally need assistance.

The distribution of the food parcels is expected to kick off immediately.