India's government is assisting Namibia with grain and other food items for the drought relief programme.
The outgoing High Commissioner of India, Mandarapu Subbarayudu, revealed this during a farewell courtesy call on President Nangolo Mbumba at State House.
In response to the state of emergency declared due to drought by President Nangolo Mbumba, the government of Qatar has donated a substantial amount of supplies. The aid, valued at N$1.3 billion, aims to assist the communities affected by the severe drought conditions.
The Otjozondjupa Regional Council has amended the criteria for drought relief aid to include informal settlement households.
This was confirmed by the Regional Council Chairperson, Marlene Mbakera, who also chairs the regional disaster risk management committee.
The disaster risk management warehouse at Uukwangula, Oshana Region, which houses drought relief food for the Omusati, Kunene, Oshikoto, Ohangwena, and Oshana regions, is operational and ready to distribute food to the beneficiaries.
Deputy Prime Minister John Mutorwa has warned those selling food meant for drought relief that such acts are tantamount to crime.
Police Commander for the Kavango West Region, Commissioner Julia Sakuwa-Neo, says the police have not reacted to transport requests for drought relief with the required urgency.
The Kunene Region has resorted to hiring private transport for the distribution of drought relief in the region.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform, Anna Shiweda, said the Namibian government has officially declared a state of drought in Namibia.
The Office of the Prime Minister has announced the rollout of the comprehensive drought relief programme, providing food assistance and livestock support to affected subsistence farmers across all 14 regions.
A severe drought is looming in the Otamanzi Constituency of the Omusati Region due to the poor rainfall received in the area this year.
The silos of many subsistence farmers are empty, and their only hope is drought-relief food for both humans and animals.
