The Governor of the ||Kharas Region, Dawid Gertze, has appealed to the business community to support families that were left destitute by the blaze on 20th December at Aussenkehr Grape Valley farms. 

Just days before Christmas, the fire destroyed 44 reed houses located at Ausenkehr's Block 5 location, reducing all their personal belongings to ashes. 

In less than a week, a second fire ravaged reed houses, leaving families from 12 households in the open. 

Governor Gertze, in a letter issued, appealed to the business community and everyone else for assistance of any kind to support the affected families. 

The fire, Gertze said, has caused immense suffering and uncertainty to the affected households.

The governor pledged that the assistance received will be fairly managed and distributed among those affected. 

He warned against scammers, saying no person or organisation has been authorised to collect donations for his office.

Gertze reminded Namibians that in times of hardship, unity, compassion, and willingness to support define a nation.