Efundja: Blessing and a curse

While hundreds of families are forced to relocate from their homes due to the devastating floods known as the Efundja, it has also resulted into a business opportunity for many young men and women who are catching fish for resale in order to make a living.The northern regions are currently faced with the Efundja, a situation Omusati governor, Erginus Endjala said is worsening as the rain continues to pour.Access roads have been covered by water, schools are being closed for the safety of children, sick people have to turn to alternative health centres and homesteads flooded are just some of the challenges community members in the northern parts of the country are currently faced with.A recent trip to Ruacana, Namibian Sun observed how the houses on the outskirts of Outapi are flooded and people are forced to move out.According to Endjala, over 60 families have been relocated from their homes at Otjihitwa village which is situated between the Onesi and Ruacana constituencies and are now camping at an open area at Etunda.This is the grim picture of the extent to how the flood has affected the lives of many especially those who heavily invested in the crop fields which are currently under water, with huge financial losses suffered.As for properties, some families will have to renovate or reconstruct their homes after the water have subsided.“It has worsened. I think from the 20th of last month up to date, there are so many areas that are underwater. Be it the northern part, the eastern part and the southern part of our region, the whole region is just affected by the flood. It 's just water,” Endjala said.Endjala said that the Omusati regional disaster risks management team is currently assessing the situation and comprehensive report will be developed in order to assist in mitigating the challenges posed by the flood.Apart from the relocation of people from their homes, and the destruction of roads, the floods also been the cause of death as people especially children are drowning when they attempt to cross the high waters.BlessingWhen one is to travel from Oshakati towards Ruacana, one will observed quite a significant number of people by the roadside either fishing or selling the fish they have caught.The prices vary between N$20 and N$50 depending on the size and the volume of fish being sold.With many people in the communities’ especially unemployed adults and young people who either survive on drought relief handouts, the flood has presented them with a business opportunity in order to make ends meet.This has been the practice especially when the floodplains are flooded.According to Endjala as much as the floods are not welcomed as they destroy roads and force the closure of access roads to essential services, it is also a blessing for those who enjoy fishing.“You know, there 's no good without bad, 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 for own consumption and to sell,” Endjala said.kenya@nmh-hub.com.na

Efundja: Blessing and a curse

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Republikein 2025-04-15

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Efundja: Blessing and a curse

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