LEANDREA LOUW - WALVIS BAY
The government of the Mediterranean island of Malta has donated 500 tons of potatoes in support of Namibians affected by drought and the Covid-19 pandemic.
The consignment, part of Malta's overseas aid programme, arrived in Walvis Bay on Saturday, 15 August and was received by Erongo governor Neville Andre. At the official handover ceremony this past weekend, he said the donation is worth N$3.38 million.
“This consignment will be distributed to 160 000 people from the most vulnerable communities in the Erongo and Khomas regions.”
Good condition
The potatoes sailed on a vessel from Malta in 20 refrigerated containers to ensure they reached Walvis Bay in good condition.
Upon its arrival at the port, the consignment was inspected and is reported to have adequately survived the journey.
“The potatoes are packed in bags of 7kg each, and will be distributed as such.
“After the completion of the inspection process, members of the security cluster offloaded the potatoes onto Namibian Defence Force trucks for transportation,” Andre said.
Hangana Seafood also made trucks available to transport the potatoes to the Arandis constituency.
Not for political points
The governor urged constituency councillors and local authorities to work together and ensure the distribution of the potatoes to their communities.
“I am calling on all local leaders not to use the distribution of the potatoes as a way to score political points, but to ensure this donation reaches our most vulnerable communities. The distribution of the potatoes must start as soon as they arrive at the various constituency offices and they should not be placed in warehouses.”
Andre also urged the beneficiaries not to sell the potatoes.
“Consume it with your families, as there is a serious need for food security in our country.”
The governor also expressed his gratitude to the government of Malta. “This gesture is highly appreciated by our government and the people of Namibia.”
leandrea@republikein.com.na
SOURCE: Namibian Sun
https://www.namibiansun.com/news/from-malta-with-love2020-08-25/
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