Mines and Energy Minister, Tom Alweendo, on Saturday donated food parcels worth N.dollars 27 000 to destitute families in Oshikango Constituency in northern Namibia to help alleviate the impact of drought amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
With northern Namibia experiencing prolonged devastating droughts over the last decade, Alweendo said humanity must be placed at the center.
The minister donated 32 food parcels in total, according to information at Nampa’s disposal, with each parcel containing face masks, soaps, a bag of maize meal, fish cans, sugar and cooking oil.
The donation was received by Oshikango constituency councillor, Ester Nghidimbwa, who also assisted in the identification of the needy families as well as the distribution process.
During the ceremony, the community urged the minister to expedite the electrification in the constituency to smoothen business operations and other benefits that come with it. In return, Alweendo promised to elevate their plight with the relevant authorities, with a view of finding a lasting solution.
While handing over the donation, the minister also took time to raise concern on the illegal trade of fuel in the constituency, describing it as a serious crime.
“Those who continue smuggling fuel in the country from neighbouring Angola should be held accountable and the fight against the trade can only be combated when community leaders, community members and the police collaborate,” Alweendo said.
“It deliberately affects the country’s gross domestic product, impacting the country’s fuel levy,” the minister said.
Alweendo further used the platform to urge community members to get vaccinated in order to subdue the spread of COVID-19, as well as its alternate impacts.
“The vaccines are safe and effective in preventing community transmission,” Alweendo said.
He was accompanied by Ohangwena Governor, Walde Ndevashiya, who expressed gratitude to Alweendo for his gesture.
“The donation comes at a crucial time as it will assist residents from the double threat of COVID-19 and climate change,” said Ndevashiya.
Source: Namibia Press Agency
