Efundja: Blessing and a curse

As devastating floods continue to ravage Namibia’s northern regions, hundreds of families have been forced to abandon their homes. Known locally as the Efundja, the seasonal flooding is wreaking havoc - submerging roads, closing schools, displacing families, and threatening livelihoods.Yet, amid the destruction, a glimmer of opportunity has emerged. For many unemployed young people and adults, the flooded plains have become a source of income, as they take to fishing and selling their catch by the roadside.Speaking to Namibian Sun, Omusati governor Erginus Endjala described the worsening situation. “It has worsened. I think from the 20th of last month up to date, there are so many areas under water - be it the northern, eastern, or southern parts of our region. The whole region is just affected by the flood. It’s just water,” he said.During a recent visit to Ruacana, the Namibian Sun witnessed the dire conditions first-hand, particularly in the Outapi area where houses are inundated and residents have been forced to relocate. In Otjihitwa village, located between the Onesi and Ruacana constituencies, more than 60 families have been moved to an open area in Etunda, where they are now camping.Many of the affected households are subsistence farmers who have suffered major losses, with entire crop fields now under water. Once the floods subside, numerous homes will require renovation or even full reconstruction.The governor confirmed that the Omusati Regional Disaster Risk Management Committee is conducting a comprehensive assessment of the situation, with a detailed report to follow to inform further interventions. In addition to displacement and economic loss, several drownings—particularly involving children - have been reported as people attempt to cross dangerous floodwaters.A double-edged swordDespite the destruction, the floods have also brought an unexpected source of income. Travelling from Oshakati to Ruacana, it is common to see people fishing or selling fresh fish along the roadside. Depending on the size and quantity, fish are sold for between N$20 and N$50.“There's no good without bad,” Endjala noted. “Now imagine that due to a lot of water, schools are closed, hospitals and clinics are closed—you don't have access to anything. But at the same time, you find people enjoying fishing, whether for their own consumption or to sell.”In regions where drought-relief handouts are a primary means of survival, the floodwaters have opened up a rare but welcome chance for some to make ends meet - highlighting the complex dual nature of the Efundja as both a curse and a temporary blessing.

Efundja: Blessing and a curse

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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Efundja: Blessing and a curse

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-01

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