Namibia: PM Amadhila announces $40mn package after drought-emergency declared

Days after President of Namibia, Hage Geingob declared a state of emergency due to an on-going drought in the country, Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa Amadhila announced a drought intervention strategy.

Speaking on Tuesday in the National Assembly, Amadhila announced a package of about 573 million Namibian dollars (about USD 40 million) that will render food assistance, livestock marketing incentives as well as water tanks for families and farmers affected by the drought.

She called on development partners and the business community to come together and help arrest a crisis that has recurred for the third time in six years.

"Given the extent of the drought, these interventions will require the support of all Namibians, especially the business community and the international community." "We therefore call on all Namibians and development partners to assist in any way possible, so that we provide for our people who are affected as well as the livestock," said Amadhila.

PM Amadhila yesterday announced a N$573 million drought package aimed at helping farmers and families currently gripped by severe drought. The package was welcomed with open arms by almost all MPs - including opposition benches – when the PM made the announcement in the National Assembly, as reported by Xinhua.

Those affected would receive food assistance; water tanks and livestock marketing incentives. Farmers will also be provided with transport subsidy to and from grazing areas, and transport for fodder to the drought affected farmers especially in communal areas. Also, farmers will be receiving support for lease of grazing for the drought affected and subsidy for crop farmers. Likewise, farmers will receive lick supplements for a core herd of 25 cattle and one bull per farmer and fodder subsidy for a core herd of 25 cattle and one bull per farmer.

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