Obrein Simasiku
A total of N$60 000 has been reserved by King Nehale Conservancy in the Oshikoto Region towards the upliftment of the living standards of the San community in the region. Currently two San households at Amilema and Omutsegwonime villages, have been identified as beneficiaries for each to receive N$30 000 for the purpose of constructing proper living structures.
“The King Nehale Conservancy in collaboration with the Oshikoto Regional Council’s Omuthiya Constituency Office as the implementing partner, is committed to equitable distribution of benefits to its members derived from the consumptive and non-consumptive use of game, tourism and craft. Therefore, the program aims to improve the livelihood of the San people living at Amilema and Omutsegwonime respectively through provision of basic needs such as beds, blankets, clothes and others,” said the conservancy chairperson, Alex Fabian.
The items will officially be handed over on 24 June.
According to Fabian the San communities are natives of the conservation areas, and therefore it is important to take good care of them. Some of the households to benefit, have approximately 15 family members residing in ramshackle structures, hence the need for a better shelter and goodies, considering the harsh cold weather.
“These households are in deplorable conditions, hence we hope the little provided will be able to uplift them, more so under this chilling winter. On that note, I would also like to appeal to good Samaritans to come on board and assist with the little that they have so we can assist our fellow people, and even extend a helping hand to others who are equally in need,” added Fabian.
Furthermore, once this project takes off, the conservancy will move to take care of the learners who usually camp at Omuthiyagwiipundi school during examinations, by providing them with food.
“It is always a challenge for these learners because they come from far to camp at school, and the hostel is not catered for food by government, although it’s their structure. Therefore, we want to assist, so that they can be well fed and see if this is likely to help improve the results of the school, which has been performing poorly,” he stressed.
The King Nehale Conservancy has sprung to life in recent years, having undertaken numerous community projects that aim to improve education, health and general livelihood of the inhabitants. Last weekend, through the conservancy as well as the Ondonga Traditional Authority, together donated a carcass of wild animal and firewood to Omuthiyagwiipundi as well as Kandume Combined School for the learners residing at the hostels.
