Poor rainfall in previous seasons has left many households without food supplies.

It is for this reason that the Ongandjera Traditional Authority has handed out food parcels with a value of N$350,000 to 575 households from various villages within their jurisdiction.

Omukwanilwa gwa Ngandjera Johannes Mupiya says the sporadic rainfalls experienced over the years have left many, especially those who are unemployed, going to bed on empty stomachs.

The Omukwanilwa has thus pledged to ensure his subjects are taken care of during those difficult times, while also calling on them to work hard this season, for a Mahangu surplus.

“Traditional authorities in Namibia get assisted by the government financially with funds coming from our natural resources. This is because we are the ones in the community, and leading them even if the government is the ultimate leader, those of us on the grassroots level should be able to assist our people, especially the most vulnerable in the community.”

The traditional authority has also rehabilitated earth dams to ensure access to water for both humans and livestock.

Beneficiaries thanked the traditional authority, saying the assistance would go a long way in supplementing the government social grants that have become the basic income in the majority of households.