The Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises has allocated an additional N$698.8 million for drought relief provisions under the Office of the Prime Minister, primarily to extend the food distribution program to eligible communities.
The Directorate of Disaster Risk Management in the Office of the Prime Minister will soon roll out a voucher system to streamline the drought relief food aid distribution.
Zambezi Governor Alufea Sampofu has cautioned political parties not to exploit drought relief as a campaign tool.
There are indications that farmers in various parts of the country are heeding the advice to destock their herds, as more than 5,000 have applied for marketing incentives.
Residents of Oikuku and Ohamukwata villages in the Ohangwena Region now have access to potable water after three decades of waiting.
The project is being carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform and the Office of the Prime Minister at a cost of N$3.6 million.
The Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises, Iipumbu Shiimi, unveiled the financial adjustments during the presentation of the N$4.8 billion 2023–2024 Appropriation Bill.
An additional budget of N$643 million will go towards the drought relief programme under the Office of the Prime Minister.
Livestock farmers in the Okakarara District are worried as their animals have started to die as a result of a lack of grazing.
Most farmers say they cannot afford animal fodder.
An nbc News team driving through Okakarara witnessed malnourished cattle roaming around in search of grazing.
The implementation date for the livestock drought programme has been brought forward to July 1, 2023, instead of the initial October 1.
