Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says the Namibian government will do its best to address the challenge of constant shack fires at Walvis Bay.
The Vice President visited about 200 families whose homes at the new Otweya settlement in Walvis Bay burnt to ash.
It is alleged that the fire started in the middle of the congested location and spread rapidly to the shacks on Friday evening.
One person who has yet to be identified was killed in the incident.
Dr. Nandi-Ndaitwah expressed concern over rampant shack fires at the harbour town.
"I truly understand that is not something that is easy for one to be patient with, but your government is really working and we are trying to find the solution to this problem of fire burning in Walvis Bay, but that remains a big question: why is it so common in Walvis Bay? Can we really do some soul searching, and even our police are not able to do a proper investigation for us to understand this fire? It's really not the only place where you have shacks and so on, but these common fires in Walvis Bay are really worrisome. It's really worrisome, and all of us really need to find a solution to this problem."
The Vice President said she personally organised food parcels to be delivered to the victims, while others, including the Swapo Party, will continue to make more donations.
"But as a GRN of the Swapo Party, we will really do our best to address the challenges of these fires. In fact, we must get rid of shacks in our towns, but this we can only do if we cooperate as citizens of the country. So thank you for your understanding. Please wait patiently for more shelter as well as the pots that will be delivered to you."
The fire victims are currently housed in tents provided by the municipality as temporary shelters.
The tents will be up until their removal on Friday, 11 October, after which the affected persons are expected to coordinate alternative living arrangements.
The municipality says the affected families were also provided with mattresses, blankets, and other necessary items donated by The Round Table, as well as a soup kitchen service provided by Twaloloka Aid Support and Kindness.