Oshikoto: The Oshikoto Regional Council has received 9,203 bags of rice for distribution to vulnerable households across the region's 11 constituencies.

According to Namibia Press Agency, Regional Council spokesperson Petrus Nehale stated in a media release that the first consignment arrived in February, followed by a second delivery at the beginning of March. Further consignments are expected in due course. Nehale reported that 4,320 bags have so far been received at the regional warehouse in Omuthiya from the total allocation, with distribution already successfully completed in the Guinas and Oniipa constituencies.

Nehale explained that the rice will be distributed to the most vulnerable households in the region. Allocations to each constituency will be guided by the number of identified and registered beneficiaries. The beneficiaries were drawn from the drought relief distribution database by heads of distribution centres, under the coordination of constituency offices throughout the region.

He mentioned that the donation aims to support households as they continue to recover from the impact of the 2024 drought, while also promoting a more nutritious and balanced diet among vulnerable communities. Nehale further urged communities to ensure that access roads remain in good condition and accessible to allow for the smooth transportation and delivery of the rice to intended beneficiaries. Maintaining accessible roads will be critical to ensuring the donation reaches households efficiently across the region.