Kavango East diverts funds to assist disaster victims

Kenya Kambowe



RUNDU

The Kavango East regional council has decided to use funds for mini-independence celebrations in each constituency to assist those who suffered losses due to natural disasters.

This is according to regional council management chairperson, Damian Maghambayi, who was asked what happened to the N$120 000 that was budgeted for this year’s independence celebrations in the six constituencies, since the events did not take place.

Each constituency received N$20 000 from the regional council’s budget.

“Money was given to the constituencies to host the independence celebrations; however, we took a council resolution that the money should instead be used to assist those who lost their items during flash floods.

“In every constituency there was a storm, flooding, you name it. We are busy buying blankets and mattresses for them. The money is now diverted to those who were affected by natural disasters. We have instructed our officials to verify the impact and the money will be spent,” Maghambayi explained.

Last year, the celebrations also did not take place following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, forcing constituencies’ leaders to redirect over N$1 million to the health ministry.

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