Niël Terblanché
Volunteers from the Omake Charity Organisation on Tuesday donated clothing and other essential items to the victims of last week’s shack fire incidents in Swakopmund.
The fire destroyed 14 shacks and left 38 people without a roof over their heads.
Most of the victims have since been relocated or are staying with friends or family while they try to rebuild their homes.
The charity organisation originates from the Otjozondjupa Region but it has recently opened a branch at the coast to extend their assistance to vulnerable people.
Upon receiving the essential items on behalf of the Erongo Regional Governor, Neville Andre expressed his appreciation for the wonderful work that the Omake Charity Organisation is doing.
“It is not always easy to help others, but it is so typical of Namibians to help their fellows when they are faced with severe adversity. We saw it in 2020 when disaster struck at Twaloloka in Walvis Bay and now we are seeing it again,” he said.
According to the governor, the government is trying to create safety nets to assist people who fall victim to disaster.
“Unfortunately, our arms are only a certain length and we cannot reach everyone that needs help. Organisations such as the Omake Charity Organisation, however, puts all vulnerable people within our reach and that is highly appreciated.
The Governor used the opportunity to welcome the Omake Charity Organisation to the Erongo Region and expressed the hope that they will receive enough support to render help to those who need it most.
“Working in isolation when it comes to uplifting people from poverty or helping victims of disaster will never produce the desired results. It is only when everyone pulls together that we achieve the goals we all want. We need a society where everyone feels welcome,” Andre said.
The Mayor of Swakopmund, Dina Namubes received the donated items on behalf of the shack fire victims and said that the local authority does not always know where to start helping all people that fall victim to bad circumstances such as shack fires.
“We spoke to the victims of the latest fire incident and most of them are grateful for the fact that none of them died. They do not ask for much but when we receive assistance from charitable individuals or organisations, we are able to assist people with the basic necessities,” she said.
Namubes said what impressed her even more is the fact that an organisation from the Otjozondjupa Region is willing and able to assist people in the Erongo Region.
“We are grateful for your act of kindness and your assistance will go a long way to help people that were left vulnerable,” she said.
A representative of the Omake Charity Organisation, Eddy Kgobetsi expressed appreciation for the volunteers in both Swakopmund and Otjiwarongo that went out of their way to collect donations from various retail outlets and individuals.
“It is the goal of the Omake Charity Organisation to make a difference in communities and help vulnerable people all over Namibia. The growth process is slow but we will eventually reach our goal to help wherever we can,” he said.
Kgobetis indicated that besides charity work, the organisation has set a goal to establish a welfare and disability centre in the foreseeable future.
“Once established, the centre will provide a home for orphans and other vulnerable children. We aim to one day help children with their schooling and studies to help them become productive members of society,” he said.
Kgobetsi urged all retail outlets that specialize in the supply of building materials to contribute to their cause.
He added that the victims of the latest shack fire incident need material assistance to construct new homes for their families.
