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Namibia

Namibia: NPC appeals for international flood relief

by Petronella Sibeene

WINDHOEK - The National Planning Commission (NPC) yesterday morning convened an urgent meeting with heads of foreign missions in Namibia, with the hope that the diplomats will dig into their coffers to help the flood situation in the northern and north-eastern parts of the country.

The meeting comes two days after President Hifikepunye Pohamba declared a flood emergency in the northern regions as well as the Caprivi, and appealed for assistance from the international community.

"Basically, we are appealing for any support to be organised that can cater for this emergency situation to enable us to prevent the spread of diseases as well as bring relief to many scattered communities that have been affected by these floods," Director General of the NPC, Professor Peter Katjavivi, said.

He added, "The Government is extending a plea to all our development partners to come forward with any assistance."

Assistance could be in the form of technical, material, food, medicine or purification water sachets.

"We welcome support and expertise of any kind that will aim at reinforcing the management of our efforts to deal with this emergency ... support and cooperation that could be extended to the Government of Namibia in helping us in dealing with future prevention or reduction of such a devastating situation," Professor Katjavivi said.

Just like the previous rainy seasons, floods this year have caused misery and devastation. They have destroyed schools, homes, health facilities and agricultural fields.

No pledges were made by diplomats at the meeting.

Meanwhile, the NPC Director General said a comprehensive list of items needed for use by the affected communities will be distributed to all missions in the country.

Katjavivi fears the flood situation will disturb efforts towards economic development.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Nahas Angula tabled the Namibia National Disaster Risk Management Policy document in Parliament.

He said the Government looks forward to help from the international community despite the global economic crisis affecting countries at different levels.

Floods have so far claimed 92 lives, caused about 218 schools to close and in the process disrupting 100 000 learners.

Mostly affected regions are Caprivi, Kavango, Oshana, Omusati and Ohangwena.

About 85 percent of gravel roads in affected areas have been damaged while others are impassable.

Flooding of health facilities has reduced the availability of services like immunisation, anti-retroviral treatment and follow-up consultations for chronic diseases.

With such damage, the Prime Minister told New Era that Namibia would face serious challenges during the post-flooding period, as there is likely to be a lot to rebuild.