NDP urges government to declare drought an emergency

The National Democratic Party (NDP) is appealing to the government to declare the drought a state of emergency.

NDP President Martin Lukato said during a media briefing that the severe lack of rainfall has resulted in widespread crop failure, food shortages, and a dire lack of water for both people and animals.

“The NDP urges you with a deep sense of urgency and concern regarding the devastating impact of the ongoing drought on our country, particularly in the Zambezi and Kavango regions, which are hit harder by the drought. The situation is now reaching a critical point, and we implore you to declare a national state of emergency in order to address this dire crisis.”

He emphasised that declaring a national state of emergency would provide the necessary resources and coordination needed to swiftly and effectively respond to the situation.

Lukato said this will also enable the mobilisation of relief efforts, the distribution of food aid and water supplies, as well as the implementation of long-term measures meant to mitigate the impacts of drought.

He further asked for coordination and cooperation between the government, stakeholders, and other organisations to provide additional support in addressing people’s needs.

“This is a time for all of us to come together and alleviate the suffering of those most affected by the drought. The wellbeing of our people and the future of our country depend on it. We request that you prioritise this critical issue and take the necessary steps to provide relief and support to those who are most vulnerable.”

Lukato also added that the Ministry of Agriculture’s budget allocated is also not sufficient, especially at a time when citizens look to the government for assistance in securing food on their tables.

“The allocated funds to this ministry are less if we want to promote food security and self-reliance. We need more green schemes to defeat poverty and unemployment in the country.”

In addition, Lukato said that the most affected are senior citizens who rely on communal farming and government social grants for survival and wanted to see an increase in their social grants, especially with the price of maize meal and other consumer goods that have become expensive.