Patience Makwele
Parliament has approved a N$535 million budget for the Office of the Prime Minister, while funding for disaster risk management has dropped to N$47 million.
The Disaster Risk Management Programme allocation has fallen from N$1.6 billion two years ago. This has raised concern among lawmakers as floods hit the Zambezi region and drought persists in other areas.
Some communities in the region have been displaced, with homes and crops affected.
Lawmakers warned that recent rains could also increase the risk of veld fires.
Members of parliament questioned whether the country is prepared to respond to emergencies.
Swapo member of parliament Ephraim Nekongo said more needs to be done to address disaster funding.
“Now that we are talking about floods in Zambezi, I think it’s high time that we not only talk about the N$5 million that is budgeted, but also think about the payment as a solution,” he said.
Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) member of parliament Michael Mulunga questioned delays in flood mitigation measures.
“I remember very, very well last year the Prime Minister assured this House that the project was going to be done by the end of December,” he said.
Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) member of parliament Inna Hengari asked whether support continues after disasters.
“To what extent has the office gone into whether it is to survey which communities still need assistance, even after the drought and even now when we are having flooding?” she said.
Lawmakers raised concerns about response capacity at the regional level.
Another MP from Swapo, Marlyn Mbakera, said resources should be allocated closer to communities.
“The Prime Minister’s office must really allocate substantial amounts to the regional councils so that when disaster strikes, the response time is shorter,” she said.
MP Sirkka Ausiku said local systems are not equipped.
“Look at the structure of the regional disaster risk management committees. They are thin on the ground,” she said.
MP Marius Sheya warned about fire risks.
“Given the recent good rains, we should expect field fires to ignite soon, and we lack the resources to combat them,” he said.
MPs also linked disaster risks to food security and poverty.
Another Swapo MP Willem Amutunya said production must support the economy.
“Food security cannot be achieved when the production that we are making is not given to the economy,” he said.
MP Lilian Lutuhezi said many remain vulnerable.
“Over 40% of Namibians live in poverty,” she said.
Some MPs called for early action. MP Ambrosiuss Kumbwa said prevention is needed.
“We have to go for intervention rather than waiting for disaster,” he said.
IPC’s Rodrick Likando said planning should include all risks.
“We must not only focus on natural disasters. There are also man-made disasters,” he said.
Prime minister Elijah Ngurare responded, saying the government will continue to respond to public concerns.
“When we succeed, we succeed together,” he said.
