The government of Namibia declared a state of emergency in the country from State House in Windhoek on Monday as the southern African nation has been hit by a severe drought.
Namibia’s President Hage Geingob said the state of emergency declaration was made after consultations with cabinet and the wider government system, under Article 26 of the Namibian Constitution, reported Africa News.
“The rain season is almost over and we did not receive good rainfall,” Mr. Geingob said. “This means that we are facing the natural disaster of drought and many will be affected by the situation.”
In an official statement released by the presidency, the Namibian President said offices, ministries and agencies and all other stakeholders will be mobilized to ensure that the necessary assistance is rolled out to affected communities.
“The State of Emergency exists on account of the natural disaster of drought in all regions of the Republic of Namibia,” the statement read.
The President ensured Namibians that the government shall endeavor at all times to protect the people of the country and their livestock from drought during the emergency period.
According to Sophia Kasheeta, the top official of the department of agricultural development, the ministry will give marketing incentives to farmers who want to sell their livestock to encourage them to reduce the numbers. He added that the government would pay N$80 per head of small stock, and N$400 per head of large stock sold. However, the ministry said the government will only pay the subsidy for up to 100 livestock units per farmer.
In addition, the government will also make the provision of water tankers for communities with no alternative sources of water in all regions, except Khomas. The water tankers are expected to benefit 10,000 households. Except Khomas, the ministry will also rehabilitate and restore boreholes in all regions.
