The Kunene Region has resorted to hiring private transport for the distribution of drought relief in the region.

This was revealed by the Kunene Regional Governor, Marius Sheya, following concerns raised by Khorixas Constituency Councillor, Sebastian !Gobs, who last month indicated that the distribution programme is hampered by a lack of transportation.

The Kunene Region accounts for close to 30,000 people who have been affected by the prolonged and extreme drought since 2013, which has put a strain on food security and agricultural activities.

"The advert has already been sent; the memo has already been sent to us as a region to source private trucks that can take drought relief items or consignments from the workshops or warehouses to the constituency levels within the constituency, and then there are private people who will then be paid on the rates that the government has put forth, and equally, the honours still lie with us to say the committees or the constituency offices have to get smaller cars to than take from their constituency warehouses to their people. That's what we are doing now. Although getting to some of the constituencies is obviously difficult due to the vastness, terrain, and condition of the cars that we have," said Governor Marius Sheya.

Sheya advised communities that have not yet received or registered for their drought relief to visit their constituency offices for assistance.

"Where we can, we are bringing in assistance. We are requesting assistance from other OMAs, whether from the Ministry of Health or the police. Yes, there is a collaboration going on, and probably communities have waited too long while the food is in the storeroom. It will be advisable that they contact the councillors, and if the councillors are not coming forth, obviously they should also contact me. I am more than willing to hear it and act upon it."

Last month, Khorixas councillor Sebastian !Gobs indicated that Khorixas' five settlements have over 2,700 households affected and in need of drought food aid.

However, because of a lack of transport to reach rural areas due to difficult terrain, drought relief has not reached the communities on time.

He also added that there's an influx of farmers from area to area seeking better grazing sites for their livestock.