Martin Endjala
Heavy windstorms last Wednesday left several houses in the Eengodi and Omuthiya constituencies without roofs.
People in Onamushi, Onyavia, Ongaka and Okambuguthe villages were badly affected by the strong winds.
Mwawendange Petersen, a priest at the House of Healing International Ministry in the Ongaka area, told the Windhoek Observer on Monday that the roof sheets were blown off and lying around the ground, along with poles and trees that were uprooted by the windstorm.
“At this stage, it is hard to tell or put the exact number of houses or people affected because other areas in the Oshikoto region were also affected. I can confirm that one person did approach the church who lost seven goats as a result,” he said.
Petersen said no injuries had been reported so far in the Ongaka area or lives lost but described the wind as devastating, leaving many houses severely damaged.
“After observing the situation, many household properties have been severely damaged and would require immediate assistance,” he said.
Omuthiya Constituency Councillor, Samuel Shivute said he became aware of the situation after a community member informed him of the disaster.
He explained that his office could only act upon receiving a formal report from the village headmen of the affected areas.
“I explained to the person that they must go to the headman and explain their situation. The headman will then write a letter that they can bring to our office so I can put in a request to the regional office and the Office of the Prime Minister for assistance,” he explained.
Shivute added that several meetings had been held with communities to discuss the reporting process and urged residents to follow the correct procedures when reporting incidents.
Eengodi Constituency Councillor, Protasius Neshuku said he was not aware of the situation, as no one had reported it to his office.
However, he promised to investigate the extent of the damage and identify the affected areas.
The Oshikoto Regional Council held a meeting on Monday, where the issue was expected to feature on the agenda.
This is not the first time strong winds have destroyed people’s homes and property in the north.
