Support for shack fire victims

The Namibian National Insurance Corporation (NamibRe) handed over a donation of N$50 000 for victims of shack fires to the Walvis Bay Mayoral Fund last week. Mayor Immanuel Wilfred received the donation form Ntwala Mwilima a representative of NamibRe.Ntwala explained that NamibRe, which became operational in 2002 was a state-owned enterprise established to provide reinsurance services locally in order to minimise the placement of insurance and reinsurance business outside the borders of Namibia. “Being in the business of helping our clients to mitigate the impact of loss, we know from experience that most of the victims of fires who will benefit from this donation are uninsured not because they do not need insurance but because they cannot afford insurance premiums. It therefore gives us great pleasure to provide some form of assistance to the affected families.” The donated funds were collected during the 39th Organisation of Eastern and Southern Africa Insurers (OESAI) conference hosted in Swakopmund in 2016. The idea came about after a meeting between NamibRe MD Patty Karuaihe-Martin and the leadership of the Erongo Region where it became apparent that shack fires were one of the major socio-economic challenges faced by the region's most vulnerable population. NamibRe approached other insurance/reinsurance companies and received pledges from AON Benfield, AfricaRE, MMI and Hollard. Wilfred called on the community to be mindful of other people's pain and announced that the Mayoral Fundraising dinner in aid of the Mayoral Fund will once again be hosted this year in March or April. The event was shelved last year due to a number of conflicting events. “This donation will be put to good use and will warm the hearts of many. People living in informal structures are the most vulnerable members of the community who often suffer the brutal and undignified effects of shack fires. The Mayoral Fund assisted many victims of shack fires over the years. We should however be mindful that resources are limited and cannot cover everything or compensate for the trauma experienced by people.” Special advisor to the Erongo governor Adelheid Bobby Kandjara welcomed the financial assistance, applauded NamibRe and challenged other companies to follow suit. She urged the office of the mayor to use the funds for the benefit of those in need. Kandjara also commended the Mayoral Fund for reaching out to many persons in need and called on the beneficiaries to be appreciative. “Shack fires and the harsh conditions endured by shack dwellers is a huge concern in our region. A suggestion was put forward to establish a green village in order to reallocate those who live in shacks and address these issues. The concept of Farm 36 was approved in principle by council. Bureaucracy is however delaying the process which should be fast-tracked.”OTIS FINCK

Support for shack fire victims

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Namibian Sun 2026-05-14

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Support for shack fire victims

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Namibian Sun 2026-05-14

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