U.S government avails additional N$15 million to drought relief efforts
The U.S. government has pledged another U$1 million for food assistance to Namibia, as the country faces severe drought.
The US Embassy in a statement this week said the contribution is in addition to the US$7.6 million in drought relief announced by U.S. Ambassador Lisa Johnson alongside the President, HE Hage Geingob in September, and the US$100,000 in water and hygiene assistance the United States had committed earlier in the year.
The announcement of the additional US$1 million by Ambassador Johnson on Thursday followed her meeting with Deputy Prime Minister, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
“As the U.S. Ambassador to Namibia, I have heard many people tell me about the difficulties caused by the drought. In response, I have looked for every mechanism in the U.S. government to help. With today’s commitment of an additional US$1 million, I am very happy to say that the total U.S. commitment to food and drought assistance now equals US$ 8.7 million,” said Ambassador Johnson.
The additional US$1 million is funded by the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Office of Food for Peace and will be implemented by the United Nations World Food Programme.
The resources will provide approximately 1,300 metric tons of locally and regionally procured food commodities to more than 44,000 people. The total US$8.7 million donation will help more than 150,000 vulnerable people in areas that are hardest hit by the drought.
Ambassador Johnson pointed out that U.S. agencies are working hard to get the food to the country and to the people in need as soon as possible. “The United States is here to help Namibia, as a friend and partner,” she said.
Caption: US Ambassador, Lisa Johnson, announced an additional US$1 million food assistance following her meeting with Deputy Prime Minister, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, on 3 October.
