Stefanus Nashama
The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) has raised over N$3 500 to provide food and clothing for families affected by recent floods in Windhoek.
Fritz Kaufman, the IPC’s Khomas regional commander, made the announcement on Friday.
“We have collected that money, which was used to secure food hampers and some clothing,” Kaufman said.
He stressed the party’s commitment to supporting the community during times of crisis and expressed gratitude to all contributors, highlighting the importance of solidarity in adversity.
Kaufman confirmed that the handover of the donations would take place this week.
The IPC’s relief efforts are part of a broader initiative to provide immediate assistance to vulnerable communities affected by the floods.
The party has called on other organisations and individuals to join them in supporting flood victims during these difficult times.
The Landless People’s Movement (LPM) has launched a similar initiative to assist affected families.
One of the flood victims, Ottilie Kavihuha, expressed appreciation for the support, noting the importance of such contributions.
“Such initiatives are crucial at this point. People are negatively affected,” she said.
Samora Machel constituency councillor, Nestor Kalola also praised the donations, stating their significance to affected families.
“We should come together as Namibians and help each other,” said the councillor.
However, Kalola criticised the City of Windhoek (CoW) for failing to relocate residents living in flood-prone riverbeds within his constituency, despite repeated requests over the years.
“I have told the municipality to relocate these people in my constituency since I came into office, but the city did not do anything,” Kalola said.
The councillor accused the municipality of being selective in its relocation efforts.
He explained that while the CoW registered residents for relocation and provided temporary measures, such as pumping out water from the shacks, no permanent solutions have been implemented.
“You register people and do nothing. When the situation becomes worse, that is when you try to act. This is not good at all,” Kalola remarked.
Kalola further questioned why the municipality relocated flood victims from Otjomuise to his constituency, yet residents in Goreangab and Havana are still awaiting relocation.
“I am not happy with what the municipality is doing. You take people from other constituencies to my constituency when the same issue with my people has not been resolved,” Kalola stated.
A resident, Martha Shivute, who lives in a riverbed area of Goreangab, supported Kalola’s statements.
She noted the councillor’s multiple attempts to have residents relocated to safer areas, which have so far been unsuccessful.
“Some people didn’t want to be registered for relocation. But the municipality needs to consider us before the next round of heavy rains arrives,” Shivute explained.
Shivute suggested that some residents’ reluctance to move, even with the relocation plan, plays a role.
At the time of publication, City of Windhoek spokesperson Lydia Amutenya had not responded to the questions sent by the Windhoek Observer regarding the relocation issue.
