The Office of the Prime Minister needs N$600 million to sustain the drought relief programme until June this year.
So far the office has received donations amounting to more than N$115 million, which include cash and in-kind donations.
President Nangolo Mbumba is disappointed over the theft of food meant for the drought relief programme.
The known incidences of theft of food items meant for drought relief were reported in Oshikoto, and suspects were arrested in May this year.
A recent report on the drought situation reveals that approximately 1.4 million people, accounting for 48 percent of the total population, are expected to face food insecurity.
Families residing in the peri-urban areas of Otavi in the Otjozondjupa Region were pleased to receive food parcels from the Drought Relief Programme, expressing gratitude for not having to go to bed hungry any longer.
President Nangolo Mbumba says N$482 million more is needed for Namibia's Drought Relief Programme.
Owing to this shortfall, he appealed for assistance from SADC and bilateral and international stakeholders.
Kavango West regional leadership has called on the Disaster Risk Management Committee to look into the drought relief programme for livestock, as it disadvantages some communal farmers.
The Deputy Prime Minister, John Mutorwa, is pleased with the drought relief food distribution in the Kavango West Region.
Mutorwa embarked on a visit to all 14 regions to assess the distribution of drought relief aid.
The Office of the Prime Minister is expected to provide an update to the Cabinet on the drought relief programme next month.
This was confirmed by the Executive Director, I-Ben Nashandi, as Cabinet resumes in February.
The Omaheke, ||Kharas, and Hardap regions will now benefit from the drought relief programme, effective from July 1st, 2023, to March 2024.
Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila has called on all citizens to cooperate with the drought relief programme implementing officers to ensure that the objectives of the programme are achieved.
The vulnerability assessment and analysis indicate that 695,000 people are in need of relief assistance.
