The Ongwediva Town Council has bought six tents, which will serve the town in times of disasters such as floods and fires.
At the ceremony marking the beginning of the town’s own initiative in putting measures in place in readiness of future disasters, Ongwediva Mayor Ms Naemi Amuthenu said that this initiative is a response to the Office of Prime Minister’s call for local governments to budged for emergency preparedness and response.
“In line with this national commitment I am proud to announce that during the 2025/26 financial year, Ongwediva Town Council through the Emergency Services Division has allocated funds for the procurement of disaster risk management tents,” Amuthenu said.
“These tents are a significant milestone, as Ongwediva becomes the first local authority in Namibia to procure such essential equipment.
“This initiative demonstrates our dedication to strengthening community resilience and ensuring we are better prepared to face emergencies.”
The tents will serve multiple functions, including supporting disaster response activities such as relief operations during fires and floods, offering humanitarian assistance through temporary shelter for displaced persons, and facilitating training exercised though long-term simulations.
“The emergency services have evolved from traditional fire-fighting roles into a comprehensive approach that includes prevention, preparedness, response and recovery activities,” said Mr Sam Matheus, Ongwediva’s chief fire officer.
The six tents cost N$140,000.
In the photo: Ongwediva Town Mayor Ms Naemi Amuthenu and several town councillors and fire fighters with some of the tents.
