Hunger grips Onamatanga

Residents of Onamatanga village in Ongandjera have not received drought relief support for nine months and counting, despite government's extension of the programme in Omusati, Kunene and Erongo regions.

This is in spite of Cabinet allocating approximately N$21 million for the current drought relief programme.

More than 429 villagers are reportedly affected by hunger in the village.

Namibian Sun has learnt that many villagers are frustrated at being left to suffer in a democratic state, saying they feel neglected by authorities.

The villagers also said Onamatanga remains underdeveloped, with little to no improvement for the past 33 years.

'Lack of interest'

Cementing the concerns of his people, village headman Kaloete Sheengala said they are faced by numerous challenges that need urgent intervention.

“There is serious hunger; the person that was tasked with our drought relief programme is not saying anything,” Sheengala said.

The small social grants they receive from the government are all they have to live on, he said, adding that there hasn't been enough rain for them to have anything to eat from the fields.

He also expressed his concern about a lack of interest by government officials in the community's woes.

"Our councillor rarely comes to visit us, and when we want to discuss these issues with him, he just ignores it. Is this because he perceives us as marginalised or what?"

He said because they do not fully benefit and are left to suffer, his villagers do not believe the nation is independent.

He also accused the councillor’s office of sending back their job application forms.

“We have suffered in this area, and we have written our problems and submitted them to the relevant authorities, but there is still no progress,” he said.

He urged government to urgently provide aid and to develop the area.

Neglect outlined

Aukongo Ishakena, a resident, echoed these sentiments and argued that, in his view, villages are ignored because they are regarded as "Damaras".

“If it comes to government employment, since independence, only three people have been employed by the government in Onamatanga,” he said.

Ishakena said that there are people who have finished school and meet the requirements to secure employment with government.

"I will not say we are San people; I would say we are Damaras, and maybe that is why we are being neglected,” he ventured.

‘Be patient’

Ruacana constituency councillor Andreas Shintama refuted the allegations that his office sent back job applications to the residents.

“I am not aware of something like that, they never brought it to my attention,” he said.

When asked about the drought relief complaints, Shintama said he would have to consult his officials.

“I cannot comment at the moment – I will have to ask my officials about the drought relief,” Shintama noted.

Shintama added that residents should be patient, defending the government's efforts.

“I was in Onamatanga three times this year. It’s just that people expect everything to happen overnight. There are processes to follow, and we are getting there,” he said.