Lawmakers said the S.60 farm relief bill received no funding last session and urged the committee to prioritize drought and flood relief this year, citing concrete impacts on dairy, cattle and vegetable producers.

[Namibian] Otavi residents on Friday allegedly discovered several cans of fish suspected to have been part of drought relief.

Allexer Namundjebo The Affirmative Repositioning (AR) Movement in Otjozondjupa region has condemned what it calls a systemic failure in the distribution of drought relief food in the Otavi Constituency after buried cans of suspected drought relief fish were discovered near Gabus Lodge on Friday. According to the police, an unspecified quantity of canned fish was uncovered along a gravel road by residents, who alerted law enforcement and the Otjozondjupa Regional Council. AR said the incident reflects a recurring crisis where expired food aid is wasted instead of reaching those in need.  In a statement on Monday, the movement described the impact of mismanagement, recalling how in the Kaap en Bou location in Otavi a mother boiled water only to silence her hungry children’s cries. Johanness Johanness, chairperson of AR in Otjozondjupa, said, “It is unacceptable that in 2025, families are still going hungry while food meant for them rots in pits. This is a failure of leadership and a betrayal of our most vulnerable citizens.” He noted that in 2024, AR activists and residents in Kaap en Bou also discovered a pit of expired canned fish , which was reported to regional leaders but ignored. The matter was reported to the regional leadership, but no action was taken. “We reported these issues last year, and nothing changed. The cycle of negligence persists, resulting in the loss of lives. Our leaders must be held accountable,” Johanness said. He claimed that four children in the constituency had died in the past two years from suspected hunger-related illnesses.  He added that while six people were arrested last year in Otavi for attempting to sell drought relief food, they were later released on N$1 000 bail each. The movement directly blamed Otjozondjupa Governor John Julius ||Khamuseb, the Otavi Constituency Office, and officials in charge of food distribution.  “Leadership is not about positions or titles, it is about protecting life. History will judge those in power not by what they said, but by the suffering they allowed.” AR demanded an urgent investigation into the burial of expired food and accountability for officials involved in mismanagement or diversion of aid.  “We are calling for full transparency. Every community member who needs help must receive it. Selling or wasting relief food is a crime against our people,” Johanness said. The movement urged that drought relief food be distributed transparentlytime andime, and that sales to private individuals or farmers must stop. It said the crisis is not only a governance matter but one of justice, dignity, and survival. This incident follows a series of drought relief scandals in Namibia.  In June 2025, five handymen employed at the Otavi depot were arrested for stealing rice and canned fish from the regional warehouse.  In May 2025, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) arrested a Zambezi Regional Council official and two business owners accused of diverting food worth over N$4 million. In Kavango East earlier this year, a 48-year-old man was arrested for allegedly attempting to sell stolen drought relief items, including maize meal and cooking oil valued at N$34 150. The items were recovered and returned to authorities.

Food security still a concern despite end of drought relief NBC Online Mon, 08/04/2025 - 18:26

NamWater has held high-level strategic talks with the Governors of Ohangwena and Oshikoto regions, focusing on expediting vital water supply projects to combat persistent shortages and bolster long-term water security in the drought-stricken north. The state-owned water utility hosted Governor of Ohangwena, Hon. Kadiva Hamutumwa, and Governor of Oshikoto, Hon.

[WFP] Windhoek -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in collaboration with partner organisations, has successfully wrapped up a critical a nine-month emergency response in support of the Government of Namibia's Emergency Drought Response Plan to the El Niño-induced drought. With a contribution of US$3 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (UN-CERF), WFP supported the government in delivering life-saving food and nutrition assistance to over 63,000 vulnerable people across Kavango East,

Namibia: Opposition Lashes Out Over Sudden End to Drought Relief Without Consultations  allAfrica.com

[Namibian] Some opposition parties have slammed the government's decision to discontinue the drought relief programme, saying it was premature and was done without consultations.

Erasmus Shalihaxwe Six cases are under investigation involving individuals accused of stealing food meant for the drought relief programme.  The cases,reported in the Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, Ohangwena, Kavango West, and Zambezi regions involve people who were entrusted with distributing food during the implementation of the programmme. Prime minister Elijah Ngurare revealed this in parliament recently.  In May, three people were arrested in connection with defrauding the Namibian government of over N$4 million in a failed deal involving undelivered drought relief food and appeared in the Katima Mulilo Magistrate’s Court. The suspects are Jimmu Simataa, an employee of the Zambezi Regional Council, along with Guriron Siseho Siseho and Grodonah Nankole Liswaniso. For the 2024–25 financial year, the government allocated N$825 million to  the drought relief programme.  Of this, N$600 million was for food assistance, while N$25 million for seed and horticultural provision, according to the sixth Cabinet decision meeting. Last year,  Oshikoto police launched an investigation into the theft of drought relief food.  Johannes Shaanika Mupetami, a 31-year-old Namibian man, was arrested on 21 May after drought relief food was confiscated at Leeu Pos farm.  In the same year, police also arrested Zenecia Nghitamuka, an employee at the Tsumeb Constituency Office, in connection with the same case.  Her arrest followed reports that drought relief food worth an estimated N$100,000 had been stolen in the Oshikoto region. Ngurare said government will discontinue the 2024/2025 drought relief programme, following improved rainfall across the country. The programme was introduced as a response to the El Niño phenomenon and extremely low rainfall during the 2023/2024 agricultural season.  This led to widespread crop failure, depleted rangelands, and severe water shortages in all 14 regions. The crisis affected the livelihoods of many Namibians and threatened the food security of 384,935 households, equal to 1.4 million people. To respond to the crisis, former President Nangolo Mbumba declared a state of emergency on 22 May 2024. The Cabinet later approved a national drought relief program to run from 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025, with an estimated cost of N$1.3 billion. Ngurare said improved rainfall has led to better harvests and grazing conditions, with households now able to sustain themselves until the next harvesting season. “Given these positive prospects, the Office of the Prime Minister will advocate for continued mainstreaming of disaster risk reduction initiatives at all levels and will embark on various targeted resilience-building programmes in collaboration with all line ministries and development partners to enhance food production through drilling of boreholes, excavation of earth dams and livelihood diversification,” said Ngurare. During the program, each household received one 20kg bag of unsifted maize meal or mahangu, four 400g tins of fish (or an alternative of 750g soy mince, 2kg beans, or 1.5kg meat), and one 750ml bottle of cooking oil. Ngurare said the ministry of environment, forestry and tourism allocated 86 elephants to support the programme.  Of these, 71 elephants were culled in Kavango West, Kavango East, Zambezi, Ohangwena, Oshana, Oshikoto, Erongo, and Otjozondjupa.  The culling produced about 142,000 kilograms of meat, which was distributed in 1.5 kg packs to drought-affected communities.

MP's advocate for continuation of drought relief support NBC Online Sat, 07/12/2025 - 17:05

PM Ngurare ends nationwide drought relief programme NBC Online Fri, 07/11/2025 - 15:03

[New Era] Improved climate conditions, government policy and strategic interventions as well as strong drought-mitigating strategies played a crucial role in Namibia's reclassification as a hunger hotspot.

Otjozondjupa Council rocked by drought aid theft arrests NBC Online Sun, 07/06/2025 - 18:20

Niël Terblanché Prime Minister Elijah Tjitunga Ngurare has thanked the governments of Japan and the European Union (EU) for donating more than N$32 million to support the country’s drought relief efforts. Speaking in Windhoek on Wednesday, Ngurare described drought as a slow-onset crisis that weakens food security, damages livelihoods, and threatens health and dignity. He said the current drought is among the worst Namibia has faced in recent years, with subsistence farmers the hardest hit.  “The 2024/25 Livelihood Vulnerability Assessment and Analysis conducted by the Office of the Prime Minister revealed that over 1.26 million people – about 41% of the population – are facing food insecurity. This reflects the extent to which livelihoods were compromised,” he said. The government declared a state of emergency on 22 May 2025.  He said the government has since then developed a drought response plan with input from key partners.  The plan includes both immediate relief and long-term measures, particularly in the water, sanitation, and hygiene sector, to address the rising risks of malnutrition and disease. He stated that a funding shortfall of N$600 million has stretched government resources.  “This additional generous donation is a timely intervention that complements government efforts. It will help mitigate the negative effects brought about by the persistent drought situation on vulnerable communities,” he said. Japan previously donated US$500 000 through the UN World Food Programme for food assistance.  The EU contributed €200,000 through the Namibia Red Cross Society, targeting over 140,000 drought-affected people with food, clean water, and multi-purpose cash support. Ngurare stressed the importance of access to safe drinking water and sanitation.  “Such access is not a luxury but a basic human right,” he said. He added that women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities suffer most during drought.  “These conditions heighten the risk of disease outbreaks such as cholera and diarrhoea, placing greater pressure on health systems,” he said. Ngurare assured donors that the aid will reach the intended beneficiaries through collaboration with Unicef and other partners.  “On behalf of the Namibian government, I express profound appreciation to the people of Japan and the European Union for the additional support,” he said.

The European Union has committed €911,000 (approximately N$19 million) to support emergency drought response through UNICEF, which is also contributing an extra €228,000 (about N$5 million) from its own resources....

Niël Terblanché The European Union (EU) and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (Unicef) have announced a joint humanitarian contribution of about N$24 million to support Namibia’s drought response. The funding will target the regions most affected by the ongoing drought. The EU is providing €911,000 (around N$19 million) through its Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations Agency (ECHO).  Unicef is contributing an additional €228,000 (roughly N$5 million) from its own resources.  The announcement was made during a formal ceremony in Windhoek on Tuesday, attended by prime minister Elijah Ngurare. The aid will support life-saving services for around 86,000 people in drought-hit areas, including Katima Mulilo in Zambezi, Andara, Nyangana and Rundu in Kavango East, Nkurekuru and Nankundu in Kavango West, Okongo, Eenhana and Engela in Ohangwena and Khorixas, Outjo and Opuwo in the Kunene Region. Unicef will manage the funds in close coordination with Namibian authorities.  The intervention will support access to healthcare, nutrition, child protection, and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) services.  It will also strengthen community-based protection systems and improve emergency preparedness by prepositioning essential supplies. Unicef Namibia country representative Samuel Ocran welcomed the support.  “This generous contribution from the European Union is crucial. It will enable us to reach more children with the immediate, life-saving nutritional needs of children suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition, and ensure continuous access to water, sanitation and hygiene services in health care facilities, especially in hard-to-reach areas,” he said. EU ambassador to Namibia Ana Beatriz Martins reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Namibia.  “Over the past 35 years of relations, the EU–Namibia partnership has evolved into a partnership of equals, spanning across a wide range of topics. Namibia can also count on the EU in times of drought and hardship,” she said. The support forms part of the EU’s humanitarian strategy for Southern Africa, which focuses on the intersection of climate change, food insecurity, and public health.  Martins said the funding will strengthen both national and community-level resilience during the current drought crisis.

International partners inject N$24million into drought relief efforts  Namibia Economist

Three people arrested by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) last month in connection with a fraudulent drought-relief food supply scheme of over N$4 million were on Friday granted bail of N$50 000 each by the Katima Mulilo Magistrate’s Court. The ACC alleges that Jimmy Simataa (52), who is employed by the Zambezi Regional Council as a chief administrative officer, conspired with businesswoman Grodinah Liswaniso (44) and businessman Siseho Siseho (52) to falsify documents, including a purchase order and supporting documents, to create the impression that drought-relief goods had been delivered and a contract fulfilled. In their formal bail application before magistrate Davy Kambinda, the three accused, with multiple charges under several provisions of the ACC Act, as well as the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, argued separately that they were not flight risks because they have strong family roots and financial interests in Namibia. They further argued that they would not interfere with state witnesses since they have no knowledge of who these witnesses are, adding they too have a strong defence against the alleged crimes. They said they pose no danger to society or the justice system and were willing to comply with the “strict” bail conditions. Siseho indicated that he is a self-employed property developer residing in the Zambezi region. He said he is the sole member of Fixy Investment CC with 16 salaried employees, a father of five children, and owns 50ha of land and livestock worth N$100 000. Liswaniso in her application indicated that she is self-employed and the sole member of Nkulomaula Funeral Services and another entity named Nkulomaula Trading, with several moveable property and livestock worth N$60 000. Accused number three, Simataa, said he owns 10ha of land, built a three-bedroom house valued at N$500 000, owns cattle, and has 16 children who depend on him. Upon paying bail, the trio were warned to adhere to the bail conditions and return to court on 27 August. “In case of failure to appear in court, a warrant for arrest may be issued against you and your bail will be provisionally cancelled and the bail money will be provisionally forfeited to the state,” Kambinda warned. The post Zambezi trio arrestedby ACC granted bail appeared first on The Namibian.

Board authorizes appropriations transfers and cost-sharing agreements for groundwater sustainability projects.

India donates rice and maize to mitigate drought effects NBC Online Fri, 06/13/2025 - 13:06

Niël Terblancé Prime minister Elijah Tjitunga Ngurare has officially accepted a donation of 2 000 tonnes of grain from India to support Namibia’s drought relief efforts. The delayed handover ceremony took place in Windhoek. India donated 1 000 tonnes of yellow maize and 1 000 tonnes of rice last year in response to Namibia’s call for assistance during one of the worst droughts recently. “This generous donation in a time of need is a true reflection of solidarity and a demonstration of the long-standing good relationship between Namibia and India,” said Ngurare. The 2024/25 Livelihood Vulnerability Assessment showed that 1.26 million people, about 41% of Namibia’s population, are facing food insecurity. On 1 July 2024, the government launched a nationwide drought relief programme following president Nangolo Mbumba’s declaration of a state of emergency.  The programme provides food assistance, seed and livestock support, and water to affected areas. Ngurare said the donation from India will help to fill a funding gap in the relief programme, which requires an extra N$600 million to operate until June 2025. “The donation of 2 000 tonnes of food aid went a long way in augmenting the government’s efforts to alleviate the negative impacts brought about by the drought situation on the communities,” he said. Ngurare confirmed Namibia’s intention to join the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), an initiative by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.  He said the move would help Namibia access global expertise to reduce disaster and climate risk. Indian high commissioner Rahul Shrivastava said the donation was part of India’s ongoing support to Namibia. “The donation of rice and maize is not merely a transfer of resources; it is a symbol of our enduring friendship,” he said. Shrivastava said food security is a basic human right and hoped the grain would ease the burden on vulnerable households.  He affirmed India’s commitment to helping Namibia achieve its development and poverty reduction goals. “India and Namibia share a history of close cooperation and mutual respect. In the face of adversity, we have stood shoulder to shoulder, reinforcing our commitment to the well-being of our people,” Shrivastava said. He encouraged further cooperation, especially in agriculture. “It is through such collaborations that we can build a sustainable future, one where every child has the opportunity to grow, learn and prosper,” he said. Both Ngurare and Shrivastava expressed a shared interest in maintaining and deepening bilateral cooperation. “We look forward to future collaborations in our endeavour to build resilient and sustainable programmes addressing disaster risks,” said Ngurare.

The Otjozondjupa region is facing logistical challenges in distributing drought relief to the marginalised San community in both the Grootfontein constituency and Tsumkwe. The two are the largest San community constituencies in the region. The region currently has three bakkies and one truck, with one bakkie currently being fixed. The region has 5 758 households registered in the seven constituencies of the region, and farm Goves has 41 households benefiting from the programme, according to Otjozondjupa region development planner Petronella Golo. This comes after residents at the Grootfontein constituency complained that they have not received drought relief for three months. Willem Kobes, a community member in the Goves area, said this of The Namibian last week, calling for urgent assistance from the government. Kobes said they are surviving on only water and the little they are able to salvage, which is not enough to feed them all. Kobes claimed January and February were the last months they received drought relief. “I have been trying to call both the Otjiwarongo and Grootfontein councils to intervene but till now I have not gotten a response nor has anyone from the council come to assess our situation. “We are really suffering and for three months without drought food is really tough, many of us go hungry,” said Kobes. He claimed community members are forced to go to nearby areas to ask for food. In response to the claims, Golo says the region distributed drought relief on 18 February and 30 April. She says claims of no relief distribution are not true. She attributes the delay in drought relief to the change of administration following the announcement by president Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah that marginalised programmes will no longer be under the gender and equality ministry but under the Office of the President. “This change did cause some delays and we apologise for the delay but we will resume with distribution on Monday in the Tsumkwe constituency. After that we will then proceed to Goves and other areas,” she says. She adds that they face logistical challenges as the available vehicles are not able to cover all seven constituencies in a short period of time, causing delays in relief distribution. She says in some instances it can take two weeks to cover a constituency. Currently, the two bakkies are being used to transport community pupils from the schools to their homes for the long weekend. The transportation is also part of the marginalised programme by the government. Golo assures the community that drought relief distribution will commence on Monday, urging residents to remain calm. The post Otjozondjupa faces logistical challenges in drought food distribution appeared first on The Namibian.