Sostenus Wilherm
The Dâures Constituency Office has intensified emergency response efforts to contain raging wildfires that have destroyed grazing land and threatened communities, with the Namibian Air Force deployed to assist in suppressing the flames.
Dâures Constituency Councillor Inecia Brandt said the constituency office is working closely with the Erongo Regional Council, central government, traditional authorities, farmers and volunteers to coordinate the response to the ongoing disaster.
The fires have affected grazing areas across the constituency, placing pressure on communal livelihoods that depend heavily on livestock farming.
Brandt acknowledged recent public statements by political organisations, including the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), but stressed that the wildfire emergency requires collaboration rather than political debate.
“While noting the recent public statements by political organisations, including the Independent Patriots for Change (IPC), this emergency requires coordinated action, practical support, and sustained cooperation among all stakeholders,” Brandt said.
She said the progress already made in bringing parts of the fires under control demonstrates the value of coordinated intervention.
“This is confirmed through the related actions that have helped to quench the wildfires.”
According to Brandt, the Erongo Regional Council has deployed available resources to support firefighting operations across the constituency.
She added that, recognising the magnitude of the disaster, the council secured the intervention of the Namibian Air Force, whose aerial support has played a critical role in protecting affected communities.
“While recognising the scale of the crisis, the Council successfully secured the intervention of the Namibian Air Force, whose assistance has been instrumental in supporting containment efforts and protecting affected communities.”
Brandt said the constituency office has maintained continuous coordination with local farmers, traditional authorities and community volunteers to ensure an effective response on the ground.
She noted that authorities are also focusing on strengthening the constituency’s long-term preparedness for future wildfire incidents.
The Dâures Constituency Office will continue working with the Regional Emergency and Disaster Risk Management Committee to reinforce community fire squads across all villages in the constituency.
The initiative will include comprehensive training, the provision of essential firefighting equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), while the Dâures Constituency Disaster Risk Committee rolls out community engagements on firebreaks and disaster prevention.
Brandt expressed gratitude to all institutions and individuals involved in the firefighting efforts.
“The Dâures Constituency Office extends its profound gratitude to the Erongo Regional Council, the Namibian Air Force, the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, local volunteers, traditional leaders, and emergency personnel on the front lines for their continued intervention and support in mitigating the wildfires.”
She urged residents to remain vigilant as firefighting operations continue across affected areas and encouraged the public to report any smoke sightings immediately to emergency response teams to prevent further destruction of grazing land and property.
Authorities said reports of smoke or active fires should be made through the constituency’s emergency contact number as response teams continue monitoring the situation and working to bring the wildfires under control.
