Martin Endjala
The Oshana regional Governor, Elia Irimari has lauded the Old Mutual Foundation for its intervention in availing N$90 000 to the two affected regions by flash floods mainly Oshana and Ohangwena region.
The seasonal floods, commonly known as Efundja, recently hit the northern regions of Namibia, affecting the Ohangwena and Oshana regions severely. The floods caused extensive economic losses, consequently affecting livelihoods, businesses, infrastructures, and basic services. A number of schools in the region have since been closed as a result of the flash floods.
The Governor made the remarks during last week’s handover at the Ehenye Relocation Centre where flood victims migrated to, adding “I like to extend my appreciation to the Old Mutual Foundation for its generous donation. This is indeed a commendable endeavour, and we thank you so dearly for your generosity and utmost care for families affected by the floods”.
He further explained that the region is ready to counter any changes should the need arise, while also calling on residents to avoid attempting risky crossing over the water and to rather make use of the interventions put in place by the government to ensure that their lives are fully protected.
The intervention is in line with the call made by Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa- Amadhila where she called on stakeholders to come on board to help the Government in assisting the affected communities.
The Old Mutual Foundation donated food parcels, toiletries, water purification, toiletries, and ten 1 000 litres of water tanks to the value of N$90 000 to the affected flooded areas in the Ohangwena and Oshana regions.
The Governor of the Ohangwena region Walde Natangwe Ndevashiya on his part expressed appreciation to the Old Mutual Foundation for the gesture.
He also called on more stakeholders to come on board as this is a situation that affects every Namibian directly or indirectly. Meanwhile, the old Mutual Foundation, Group Marketing, Public Affairs and Sustainability Executive, Mignon du Preez that there is a need to find a strategic lasting solution to address the challenges posed by the flood situation in the north-central regions.
“We as the Old Mutual Foundation believe that in the absence of coping strategies, as a Nation can work together to equip the affected communities as they depend on external relief for the provision of basic needs”, Du Preez said.
Furthermore, he highlighted that as a responsible and caring business, the Old Mutual Foundation has pledged an alliance with the Office of the Prime Minister and the Directorate of Disaster Risk Management in support of aiding the communities affected by the flash floods. So far four lives have been lost in the regions as the regions continue to battle the ongoing flood with some schools said to be close temporarily in order to protect more lives from being lost, while they continue monitoring the water levels in the cuvelai-basin.
Old Mutual is an African financial services company that provides both retail and business clients with financial solutions. Old Mutual products and services include insurance, savings, investment, and lending and offer
financial solutions that fit the diversity of our client base. Currently, Old Mutual operates in 14 nations over two continents, employing over 28,000 people in both Africa and Asia (South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Eswatini and China). In Namibia, Old Mutual has been in business for over 100 years and currently has more than 900 employees across 14 regions.
